Prepare to have your taste buds titillated as we embark on a journey through the world of Ruby Cocoa Beans.
Bursting into the culinary scene as a bit of a revolution, these beans are causing quite the stir, and it's not just because of their striking, naturally occurring pink hue.
Yes, you heard it right.
No artificial colours, no tricks of the light, just a beautiful, ruby-pink colour naturally inherent in the bean.
But this isn't the only reason why Ruby Cocoa is causing a frisson of excitement among chocolate lovers.
The taste is unlike anything we've encountered before; it's an exquisite blend of berry-fruitiness and luscious smoothness that dances on the palate.
What Are Ruby Cocoa Beans?
Ruby Cocoa is a type of cocoa bean discovered by the Barry Callebaut company. It stands out because of its natural ruby-pink colour and unique flavour profile.
Unlike traditional cocoa beans, Ruby Cocoa offers a taste that is an intriguing mix of berry-fruitiness and smooth, creamy textures.
This distinctive taste and appearance are inherent in the bean and are not a result of adding any artificial flavours or colours.
Where Do Ruby Cocoa Beans Come From?
Ruby Cocoa Beans originate from specific regions of the world where climate conditions are ideal for their unique development.
These regions include Ecuador, Brazil, and the Ivory Coast.
The beans are derived from the Theobroma cacao plant, but not every cacao plant produces Ruby Cocoa Beans - they are the result of unique soil, climate conditions, and careful selection by farmers.
It's worth noting that the exact process and conditions that lead to the formation of these distinctive beans are considered proprietary information by the Barry Callebaut company, which first introduced Ruby Chocolate to the world.
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What Are Ruby Cocoa Beans Used For?
Ruby Cocoa Beans are primarily used to make Ruby Chocolate, a relatively new addition to the chocolate family, which joins the likes of dark, milk, and white chocolate.
Its unique berry-like flavour and naturally pink hue have made it popular for crafting exquisite confectionery, desserts, and gourmet chocolate products.
The distinctive taste and colour of Ruby Chocolate offer a new sensory experience, making it a favourite among innovative chocolatiers and pastry chefs.
What is Ruby Chocolate?
Ruby Chocolate is a type of chocolate introduced to the world by the Barry Callebaut company in 2017.
Its name is derived from the Ruby Cocoa Beans from which it's made.
This chocolate stands out due to its naturally occurring ruby-pink colour, which is not a result of any artificial colours or additives.
Taste-wise, Ruby Chocolate is a revelation, offering a unique flavour profile that balances fresh berry-fruitiness with a smooth, creamy texture.
Its distinctive colour and taste have made it a sensation in the world of gourmet chocolate and confectionery.
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What Does Ruby Chocolate Taste Like?
Ruby Cocoa offers a unique taste sensation, unlike that of traditional dark, milk or white chocolate.
Its flavour is characterised by a delightful balance of fresh, berry-like fruitiness and luscious, creamy smoothness.
This taste is inherently present in the Ruby Cocoa Beans themselves, without the addition of any berries, berry flavour or colour.
Its blend of flavours makes it an absolute treat for those looking for a new and exciting chocolate-tasting experience.
Where Can You Buy the Very Best Quality Chocolate?
If you’re on the hunt for delicious and high-quality chocolate, look no further than Whitakers Chocolates.
With a rich heritage stretching back over 130 years, Whitakers is a name synonymous with excellence in chocolate-making in the UK.
What sets Whitakers apart is our secret family recipe, honed to perfection over generations, and our uncompromising commitment to using only the finest and most natural ingredients.
The result is a range of chocolates that not only taste exquisite but are also crafted with great care and attention to detail.
A significant aspect of Whitakers Chocolates is our ethical approach to production.
We fervently promote the use of Fairtrade Cocoa across our range, ensuring that our delicious chocolates also contribute to sustainable development and fair treatment of cocoa farmers.
Adding to our commendable practices, all Whitakers dark chocolate products have secured Vegan certification.
This means that everyone, regardless of dietary preferences or requirements, can savour their quality dark chocolates without compromise.
So, whether you’re a discerning chocolate lover, a keen follower of a vegan lifestyle, or simply someone who appreciates fine food produced ethically, Whitakers Chocolates is a brilliant choice.
Our legacy of quality and commitment to doing the right thing makes us a standout option for anyone looking to enjoy truly excellent dark chocolate.
Here are a couple of our favourite chocolate choices:
- Milk chocolate & orange chocolate mint wafer thins
- Milk chocolate 90g bar infused with natural sea salt and smoky caramel flavour
- Dark chocolates with a creamy fondant centre, flavoured with Irish Cream
- Smooth milk chocolate red foiled hearts
- Milk mint chocolate and honeycomb crisps
- Delicious white chocolate and Champagne chocolate truffles
Some Notes From an Expert Chocolatier
As an experienced chocolatier, I've seen my fair share of food trends come and go, and I've learned that there's often a delicate balance between innovation and time-honoured tradition in our industry.
Like many of you, my personal favourite types of chocolate remain the classics: milk, dark and white.
There's an undeniable magic in these traditional chocolate variants, from the simple, comforting creaminess of good milk chocolate to the rich, complex depths of high-quality dark chocolate or the velvety sweetness of white chocolate.
These are tastes we've known and loved for generations.
They've stood the test of time and continue to hold a special place in our hearts.
Now, Ruby chocolate, with its captivating ruby-pink hue and a unique, berry-tinged flavour profile, has burst onto the scene as the newest kid on the block.
It's certainly causing a stir, and there's no denying its appeal as a novel sensory experience.
However, based on my years in the industry, I think it's wise to approach new food trends with a pinch of scepticism.
While Ruby chocolate is fascinating, it's worth remembering that its popularity is currently driven by its novelty.
Only time will tell if it will secure a place in the pantheon of classic chocolate varieties.
In the grand scheme of things, the timeless appeal of milk, dark, and white chocolate, their versatility in a myriad of culinary applications, and their deep-rooted place in our collective cultural palate are tough to beat.
That's not to discredit Ruby chocolate - it's a delightful innovation that adds a vibrant thread to our chocolate tapestry.
Yet, as with many food trends, we'll have to wait and see if its sparkle endures or fades away once the initial excitement subsides.
After all, the true test of any food trend is not the immediate stir it creates, but it's staying power in the years to come.
Final Notes On Ruby Cocoa
While Ruby Cocoa Beans and the resulting Ruby Chocolate are certainly intriguing additions to the world of confectionery, their long-term impact remains to be seen.
Undoubtedly, they bring a novel sensory experience to the table with their inherent ruby-pink hue and unique, berry-tinged flavour profile, lending themselves to innovative and creative culinary applications.
However, as is often the case with new food trends, their current popularity is intrinsically tied to their novelty.
The true litmus test will be whether Ruby Chocolate can sustain this interest and build a loyal following once the initial wave of curiosity subsides.
In contrast, the traditional variants of chocolate – milk, dark, and white – have proven their timeless appeal and versatility time and again.
For now, it's a fascinating time in the world of chocolate, with Ruby Chocolate bringing a fresh perspective and a vibrant splash of colour.
But whether it will stand the test of time, just like its more traditional counterparts, is a question only the future can answer.
As lovers of chocolate, we can enjoy the ride and savour the diverse flavours along the way.
