The country’s love of chocolate goes back to the 19th Century, when cocoa was shipped home from Congo, which had become its new African colony. The Belgian chocolate industry became world famous following the invention of the praline, a chocolate shell with a soft centre.
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Why is chocolate popular in Belgium?
Experts say Belgian chocolate enjoys an enviable international reputation thanks in particular to the fine balanced taste created by the quality of the cocoa butter. Since 2003, European Union legislation has allowed the use of up to 5% of vegetable fats, other than cocoa butter (such as palm oil) in chocolate.
What is special about Belgian chocolate?
“Belgian chocolate” is chocolate of which the complete process of mixing, refining and conching is done in Belgium. “In addition, Belgian chocolate is finely milled to 18 microns, below the feeling of the tongue’s taste buds. This avoids having a grainy taste in the mouth when the chocolate melts on the tongue.
How did chocolate come to Belgium?
The history of Belgian chocolate reaches back to the 17th century, when Spanish explorers brought cocoa beans from South America. The Spanish nobility, who then ruled Belgium, enjoyed cocoa as a luxury drink.
What is the most famous Belgian chocolate?
Top chocolate brands
- Côte d’Or. On 24 April 1883 Charles Neuhaus registered the Côte d’Or brand.
- Godiva. The Godiva Chocolatier story is the story of a craftsman chocolate maker, whose name has become a symbol of luxury and prestige the world over.
- Leonidas.
- Mary.
- Neuhaus.
Why is Belgium so popular?
What is Belgium famous for? Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate, waffles, beer, and its national football team, the Red Devils. Belgium is also home to NATO headquarters and to the EU Commission and European Parliament. Brussels is often referred to as the capital of the EU.
How would you describe Belgian chocolate?
Belgian dark chocolate will have a classic fudge like earthy flavor and no sourness, fruitiness or lingering floral flavors usually. The popularity of the Belgian chocolate taste is because it is comforting and forward without too many distractions.
Why is European chocolate so good?
European chocolates, with their smoother, richer flavor, use European butter and cream, which has a higher fat content. To accentuate the smoothness of the chocolates, Europe also uses more cocoa butter, further accentuating the difference in taste.European chocolate, in comparison, is darker and richer.
Which country is famous for chocolate?
The four top chocolate-producing countries are Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Poland. Belgium is one of the largest producers, and much of the chocolate is still made by hand.
Is Swiss or Belgian chocolate better?
Belgian chocolate has a higher content of cocoa in it
Swiss chocolates are creamier and smoother on the palette while Belgian chocolate is quite dark and bitter. A strong bit of this chocolate will delight anyone. Dark chocolate tastes wonderful and it has so many health benefits too when consumed in moderation.
Who made Belgium chocolate?
Its history goes back to 1635 in Ghent, when the abbot of Baudeloo Abbey bought chocolate and started commercializing the mixture. Chocolate making was then mostly used by pharmacists who sold it as a tonic. In 1840, Belgian chocolate maker Berwaerts sold the first pressed chocolate tablets, pastilles and figurines.
Do Belgians eat lots of chocolate?
Chocolate is of such importance in Belgium that it deserves its own page. You could say this is proven by the fact that Belgians eat 8 kilo’s of the stuff each and every year. And, just as with everything food- and drink-related in the country of Belgium, its chocolatiers don’t stop their innovating.
Where is Belgium chocolate grown?
The raw materials used in chocolate production do not originate in Belgium; most cocoa is produced in Africa, Central America, and South America. Nonetheless, the country has an association with the product that dates to the early 17th century.
Is Leonidas good chocolate?
5.0 out of 5 stars Belgian chocolates are the finest in the world and Leonidas are the best Belgium offers!For the quality and assortment of these REAL Belgian chocolates, the price is very reasonable.
Is Belgium still the capital of chocolate?
The capital of Belgium may be known as the Capital of Europe, but it is also, at least as far as most chocolate aficionados are concerned, the World Capital of Chocolate. Ever since the Brussels chocolatier Jean Neuhaus invented the praline 100 years ago, the city has been at the forefront of the chocolate business.
What chocolate is from Belgium?
Top chocolate brands
- Belvas. Belvas makes 100% organic and Fairtrade truffles and pralines.
- Bruyerre.
- Corné Port Royal.
- Côte d’Or.
- Daskalidès.
- Jean Galler.
- Godiva.
- Leonidas.
What is Belgium known for food?
Outside the country, Belgium is best known for its chocolate, waffles, fries and beer. Though Belgium has many distinctive national dishes, many internationally popular foods like hamburgers and spaghetti bolognese are also popular in Belgium, and most of what Belgians eat is also eaten in neighbouring countries.
Why is Belgium important to the world?
As a founding member of the European Union, Belgium has always played a decisive international role. Belgium hosts the EU and NATO, as well as numerous headquarters of multinationals and major global players.
What is Belgium famous food?
There are many foods and drink items that Belgium is famous for such as cheese, mussels, rabbit stew, chocolate, waffles, fries, and boterhammen or tartines.
Did Belgium invent waffles?
Legend has it that the Liège waffle was invented when the Prince-Bishop of Liège, a city in the Belgian region of Wallonia, asked his cook to create a pastry made with lots of sugar. The Prince-Bishop’s sweet tooth paid off for the rest of us, because Liege waffles have become a mainstay of Belgian cuisine.
Which country makes the best chocolate?
7 Countries That Make The Best Chocolate
- Belgium. You can’t go to Belgium and not go to a chocolate shop – there are more than 2,000 throughout the country!
- Switzerland. Even if you haven’t been to Switzerland, you’ve probably had Swiss chocolate.
- Ecuador.
- United Kingdom.
- Ivory Coast.
- Italy.
- United States.
