Over the last few weeks I have been watching a really interested UK TV programme called ‘The Secrets of Your Food’. The series is hosted by medical doctor Michael Mosley and botanist James Wong. Essentially it explores the physics, chemistry and biology behind our favourite foods. In one episode the main theme is chocolate and how it targets pleasure receptors in our brains. For me it isn’t surprising at all that universally people are absolutely obsessed with this gourmet confectionary indulgence.
When I first planned on writing about Australian chocolatiers I thought it would be limited to one article. However, due to overwhelming amount of talent in this region the concept has now expanded to 4 editorials. Truly these craft producers are passionate about this art and are yielding some spectacular results. I have also been amazed at how experimental these micro brands are in regards to unusual flavor combinations.
Here are some more really exciting companies that produce tongue tantalizing gourmet bars for the discerning chocoholic.
Lindsay & Edmunds
Lindsay & Edmunds are a specialist chocolatier located in New South Wales in Australia. The business was established by former chef Peter Edmunds who has a penchant for exceptionally superior food. After living in France for a year Pete returned to Australia to produce his own handmade chocolate bars. Impressively the company is certified Fairtrade organic and only uses the finest cocoa beans in his products, which are sourced from the Dominican Republic. I tested some of their delectable slabs that come in a variety of flavours like Chilli Macadamia, Dark Fig & Hazelnut and Dark Honey & Almond Praline.
For more information, visit the company’s website: http://www.lindsayandedmunds.com.au
Essenze Chocolate
Essenze Chocolate is situated in the suburb of Caringbah, Sydney, New South Wales. The business is owned by enigmatic married couple Vincenzo and Maria. Impressively the duo has produced chocolate for the last eight years in both Europe and Australia. They now have a retail store, where they make a range of creative products ranging from tantalizing vegan/gluten free truffles to almost sculptural novelties. I tasted some of their amazing dark drops and smash bars. These delicacies contain premium ingredients like nuts, seeds and berries.
For more information, visit the company’s website: https://www.essenzechocolates.com.au
Jasper and Myrtle
In the scheme of things Jasper and Myrtle are a relatively new brand that have huge ambitions. The company is the brainchild of Li Peng Monroe who left a successful career in the public service to pursue her passion. All of the cacao beans are ethically sourced from regions like Peru, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam. As well as producing single origin plain dark chocolate they also have some really unusual flavoured bars. Certainly, I was hugely impressed with varieties like Spiced Rum, Ginger & Coconut and the phenomenal Himalayan Rock Salt & Wakame.
For more information, visit the company’s website: http://jasperandmyrtle.com.au
Dark Side Chocolates
Dark Side Chocolates is an artisan brand located in Denmark in Western Australia. The company is owned by acclaimed veteran winemaker John Wade, who has an exceptionally refined palette. This knowledge has enabled him to blend the finest range of flavours to create some sensational hand made chocolates. As well as a range of delicious single origin bars there are some delectable truffles and caramels. Impressively John also produces some incredible Vegan and gluten free assortments that are absolutely sublime.
For more information, visit the company’s website: http://www.darksidechocolates.com.au
Belle Fleur Fine Chocolates
Belle Fleur Fine Chocolates are a specialist high end confectioner located in New South Wales, Australia. The company presently has two shops just outside Sydney in Rozelle and Petersham. Customers can visit either of these stores to purchase a variety of high quality products. I was fortunate enough to sample their delicious dark slabs (containing a variety of roasted nuts and crystallized ginger) and single origin bars. These products are made fresh everyday from the finest Belgian chocolate and taste amazing.
For more information, visit the company’s website: http://www.bellefleur.com.au
Zokoko
Zokoko is an exclusive chocolate manufacturer located in the picturesque Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. The business is owned and operated by Michelle Morgan who has a passion for high quality confectionary. The company’s bean to bar traditional production techniques ensure that all of the products are superb. I got taste varieties like their Tranquilidad and Alto Beni single origin bars, which have gained Heirloom Cacao status by the prestigious Heirloom Cacao Preservation Initiative (HCP). There is no doubt once you taste this mouth watering treat you’ll definitely crave more.
For more information, visit the company’s website: http://www.zokoko.com
Cocoa Rhapsody
Cocoa Rhapsody originally started life as home based business and has flourished into a successful enterprise. The company was established in 2004 by pastry chef/chocolatier Floyd and his wife Patricia. What makes the brand so unique is they exclusively use local fresh produce, which gives their hand made chocolates a distinctive taste. It is also pertinent to mention that all of the organic Cacao beans are grown and cultivated in the natural rainforest environment in the Dominican Republic. I tried several of their dark 72-conched (ground) bars that were smooth, rich and totally indulgent.
For more information, visit the company’s website: http://cocoarhapsody.com.au
