Stone Ground Organic Chocolate
It's no secret − we love chocolate and think it should have its own food group category on the UDSA Food Pyramid − at the top! So naturally, we were thrilled to sample Taza Chocolate Mexicano Discs.
They are not like the creamy smooth chocolate that we are accustomed to eating. The Mexicano Discs are an entirely different taste sensation. They have a gritty texture that is the result of the special process used during processing.
Taza Chocolate was the brainchild of co–founder Alex Whitmore. While travelling through Oaxaca, Mexico in 2005, Alex tasted Mexican stone ground chocolate and it was "love at first bite." He was so enamored with its earthy, intense cacao flavor and gritty texture that he decided to start his own chocolate factory which would be based on artisan, Mexican–style chocolate traditions. He learned to hand–carve the granite millstones that are used to grind the cacao beans into the trademark features of the finished product − rustic chocolate that bursts with bold flavor and texture. Once back home in the US, he started to perfect the chocolate recipes and it wasn't long before he and co-founder Larry Slotnick, in 2006, started Taza Chocolates. Their first batch of chocolate was made in Alex's kitchen.
Based in Somerville, Massachusetts, Taza Chocolates has moved from Alex's kitchen to a full–fledged chocolate producing factory. The company philosophy is sustainability – financially, environmentally, and socially. As members of a Direct Trade program, they source high quality cacao beans and compensate farmers fairly for their work.
The Mexicana Discs are 100% stone ground, with pieces of cacao and crystals of sugar remaining in the finished chocolate product, thus giving it that unique texture. And do we ever love that texture and taste! How to describe them? They are not too sweet and the flavor just develops and intensifies while you are chewing. The discs are available in 70% pure chocolate plus nine divine assorted flavors such as: Salted Almond, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, and Vanilla. The flavors range from sweet to savory to spicy − very different and very, very good! There are two discs to a pack and each disc is scored into eight pieces for easy separation. In addition to just munching on this delicious chocolate, we served them for dessert, along with some fresh fruit and coffee, and it was the perfect finish to a great meal. We give Taza Chocolate Mexicano Discs our stamp of approval – they are yummy!
Besides the Chocolate Mexicano Discs, Taza products include dark chocolate bars, baking chocolate, and chocolate covered treats. All products are:
- 100% certified USDA organic
- Orthodox Union certified kosher parve
- Gluten, dairy and soy free
- All natural ingredients, with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives of any kind
The Mexicano Discs can also be used to make the famous Mexican Hot Chocolate. Watch Alex Whitmore, co–founder and head chocolate maker, Taza Chocolates, demonstrate how to make this delicious drink. Notice that he uses a molinillo (wooden Mexican whisk). We want one!
Taza Chocolates Discs are available nationwide. For more product information, to order, or to find a store near you, visit TazaChocolates.com. Also available on Amazon.com.
May 2, 2012