Sunday

Green & Black's Organic Chocolate

Green & Black's was founded in 1991 in the UK and entered the U.S. market in 2003. Green & Black's spares no expense in producing the highest quality chocolate and has control of every stage of the chocolate manufacturing process. Green & Black's sets the stage by starting with premium fine organic cocoa beans (the vast majority of cocoa beans are made from the inferior bulk beans) which are derived from two varieties: Criollo and Trinitario. Instead of including unfermented beans in the chocolate, which is a common practice, Green & Black's has a policy to only use fermented beans, which produces the best possible flavor. After fermentation, Green & Black's dries the beans naturally and not via fire, which can product unpleasant smoky flavors. The chocolate is allowed to develop in richness and complexity and this process is not rushed, as with other chocolate manufacturers. All this adds up to superb and an unforgettable bar which will delight the hearts of chocolate lovers everywhere.

Green & Black's offers a line of ice-cream, baking cocoa, baking bar, hot chocolate and chocolate bars, . We received all 12 flavors which range from White Chocolate all the way through to Dark 85%, with a full range of flavors falling in between. Milk Chocolate fans will be delighted with the milk chocolate flavors which include Milk, Caramel & Almond. Green & Black's uses a higher level of cocoa mass in their milk chocolates, emphasizing the chocolate over the milk, which really distinguishes them from other chocolate makers. Dark Chocolate lovers can select from Maya Gold, Ginger, Hazelnut & Currant, Cherry, Espresso, Mint, Dark 70% and Dark 85%.

Our testers are dark chocolate fans and the following 6 flavors were favorites among the testers:

*Mint
Dark chocolate shell made from 70& cocoa content, filled with a delicious sweet mint filling. This bar will make the perfect after dinner mint chocolate treat. Both adults and children will enjoy this flavor!

*Ginger
This flavor has just the right balance of crystallized ginger and dark chocolate which is truly rare to find in a ginger flavored chocolate.

*Maya Gold
Inspired by the Maya Indians in South Belize, this one of a kind chocolate bar is truly special. The carefully chosen spice blend and hint of orange are paired perfectly with the dark chocolate, resulting in a taste that will conjure up visions of romantic and exotic destinations.

*Hazelnut & Currant
Crunchy roasted Hazelnut and dark chocolate are the perfect duo which is further enhanced with the sweet currants.

*Dark 70% Heart Healthy (our top pick)
The perfect bittersweet chocolate. Once you have tried this chocolate bar, you will be smitten. Just a small piece of this dark chocolate will satisfy your chocolate cravings.

*Dark 85% Heart Healthy
Rich, creamy and decadent, this bar has a moist and smooth texture. Let this chocolate melt slowly in your mouth to appreciate the blend of chocolate mass, cocoa butter and Madagascan organic vanilla.

Research is showing that dark chocolate (minimum of 70% cocoa content), has heart healthy benefits including the ability to lower blood pressure, keep cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels and reducing the risk of blood clots. Many dark chocolate bars on the market may meet the 70% cocoa content requirement but are made from non-organic cocoa beans, plus they are loaded with sugar. Green & Black's sets the standard by using the highest quality fine organic cocoa beans which means that the beans are grown without toxic pesticides. Due the quality of these beans and the careful manner in which the beans are processed into chocolate, the end result is a product that does not need excess sugar to mask the bitterness and poor quality that is found in other dark chocolates. In addition, all the added ingredients are all organic which ensures the purest, healthiest chocolate bar on the market. Chocolate makes the perfect gift for every occasion. You may have been to many wine tasting parties, but have you considered hosting a chocolate tasting party? Green & Blacks offers excellent tips on how to ensure a successful evening of chocolate tasting that your guests will be talking about for a long time!

*To find out where to purchase, please click here.
*UK readers can click here.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really like the idea of a chocolate tasting party. This company gives great suggestions! I will be buying several of the 12 flavors! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I have been looking for a premium quality dark chocolate bar that isn't packed with sugar and now I have found one. I can't wait to try it out!

Anonymous said...

Each of the 12 flavors sound decadent and delicious. I will have to try them all!

Anonymous said...

This is my favorite brand by FAR. I wasn't aware that they offered ice-cream and baking products. Thank you for highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of eating chocolate. Now I won't have to feel guilty indulging in a small amount daily!

Anonymous said...

I really like ginger and have yet to find a ginger chocolate bar that is well balanced. I will be trying out this brand though!

Anonymous said...

My name is Carol and I am a Chocoholic :-) I have a particular fondness for dark chocolate and haven't come across this brand. I think that a Chocolate Tasting Part is a brilliant idea. The only problem is that I will have a difficult time narrowing down the guest list, since my friends and family are fellow chocoholics. Well, now I have excuse to host several parties this summer. The Cherry Flavor and Maya Gold have really caught my attention, as have the 70% and 85%.

Anonymous said...

It has been really interesting learning how a chocolate bar is created in the "bean to bar" section of Green & Black's site. Thank you highlighting why this company is different and all the steps they take to "do it right." In many respects, in seems that chocolate is like wine!

Anonymous said...

I am in the UK and have been enjoying this brand for many years now! No doubt Green & Black's will dominate the US market! My favorite is also the 70% dark, and my husband loves the Almond Milk Chocolate. Everyone has their favorites and the fun is really in trying them all!

Anonymous said...

Dark Chocolate is a powerful anti-oxidant and I wouldn't be surprised if doctors start "prescribing" it soon :-) Something that tastes heavenly and is considered a health food is definitely something that I will be adding to my shopping list!

Anonymous said...

After reading this article and staring at the chocolate pics, I am having the most INTENSE chocolate craving right now! Thanks guys :-) I need to take a break from my desk job and run over to the store and try this bar!

Crunchy Green Mom - Suzanne said...

Mmmmmm... sounds fabulous!

The ginger has to be wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I am on Weight Watchers and am still able to fit chocolate into my meal plan. Two pieces of Green & Black's Dark 70% is 1 point, and although the pieces are very small, the chocolate is very intense and satisfying and totally satisfies my chocolate cravings!

Anonymous said...

My 6 yrs old daughter LOVES the Mint Flavor and I feel really great knowing that it is not loaded with harmful additives, colorings etc but rather organic ingredients. She tells me it tastes just like a peppermint pattie, but this version is a lot healthier!