ORIGINS
A JOURNEY TO THE ORIGINS OF TASTE Cameroon 45 Ecuador 71 Peru 64 Venezuela 43 Costa Rica 38, 64 Mexico 2
Vietnam 45, 73 Papua New Guinea 39, 73 Philippines Uganda 80 Vanuatu 44 Back to the roots of taste. The Belcolade Origins range takes you on a journey to where it all begins, to the terroirs of the diverse regions in which our cocoa beans are cultivated. Our experts go to the ends of the earth to discover the cocoa beans that embody the rare, distinctive characteristics called for. And so they explore the countrysides of the Caribbean, South America, Africa, parts of Asia and Oceania and more. The terroirs of these regions cover so much more than just the soil. And when combined with mastered fermentation techniques, the outcome is cocoa beans packed with natural depth of flavor. It is this complexity that makes every Belcolade Origins chocolate a unique gastronomic experience. Terroir, fermentation and taste expertise. Like wine, the taste of chocolate develops naturally, arising from the terroir in which the cocoa beans are cultivated. To produce a fine wine, however, the grapes, terroir, fermentation process and recipe all play a key role in defining the kind of wine and flavor palate created. Working with cocoa beans - Criollo, Forastero or Trinitario - is no different, their regions of origin, the fermentation process combined with our craftsmanship creates flavors that evoke the singularity of their roots. 3
Our cocoa experts travel the world in search of the finest cocoa beans and the authentic, unsurpassed methods that will transform them into unique creations. Not a day goes by that our chocolate experts aren’t hard at work testing, tasting and fine-tuning the textures and subtleties of every chocolate. The result of this artistry? Exquisite, unique flavor combinations that whisk you away to the roots of taste and add depth, nuance and differentiation to all your creations. UNIQUE, DISTINCTIVE TASTES 5
Our own Sensory Map, “les Arômes de Cyrano”, allows us to cluster the flavors and share our taste expertise. Virginie Detournay Cocoa & Sensory R&D Manager THE FLAVOR SPECTRUM There isn’t a single taste that defines chocolate. Say the word chocolate and you instantly refer to a spectrum of flavors that transcends descriptors like sweet or bitter. This knowledge is deeply ingrained in our Belcolade taste experts, who meticulously analyze each type of cocoa bean & chocolate to unveil their specific flavor profiles. Afterwards, they capture and express those flavors through conching and refining. The final result is a distinct range of tastes that embodies the spirit of each region of origin and recipes that are as diverse and unique as the homes of our cocoa beans. A sweet memory starts with knowing the unique chocolate profiles The Belcolade Origins range consists of a complete offer of unique and distinctive chocolates which offer differentiating flavor combinations. By learning to recognise and developing a good feel for our unique and varied chocolate profiles, you can develop unique dishes that will create sweet memories. To do that well you need the right tools – and we would not be masters of taste without them. 8 flavor categories for unforgettable master pieces Our Sensory Map, “les Arômes de Cyrano”, clusters flavor profiles into eight different categories, among others: sweet with a trace of caramel, earthy with undertones of wood, fruity with a dash of citrus, or spicy with a touch of black pepper. The map creates a clear and common understanding of each taste, so that we can partner towards crafting the innovative and delicious creations you have in mind. Knowing which aromas are present in each chocolate forms the basis for selecting complementary ingredients. What will enhance and make your innovative chocolate confections really pop? What will suppress the spark you’re looking for and make your final culinary creation fall flat? In the end, the Sensory Map “les Arômes de Cyrano” is the perfect tool for identifying which combinations will turn your culinary efforts into delicious and unforgettable masterpieces.
sweet dairy fruity roasted spice cocoa earth floral flower honey humus wood caramel vanilla butter cooked milk fresh milk banana citrus dried fruits olive raisin red berries tropical acid roasted smoked coffee hazelnut licorice pepper LES ARÔMES DE CYRANO
Fermentation, a critical step Fermentation plays a key role in bringing out the unique and alluring flavors contained in the Belcolade Origins Range. During this decisive process, the white sweet pulp surrounding the cocoa beans is exposed to natural microbial & biochemical reactions. Good fermented beans are the secret to expressing the richness and depth of flavors hidden within and crafting unique flavor profiles. Great taste, guaranteed by experts The superior taste of our Cacao-Trace chocolate is created by selecting and using the finest naturally fermented cocoa beans. Our experts carefully inspect & ferment the beans in our local post-harvest centers based on strict Cacao-Trace standards. We have close, long-term relationships with farmers all over the world. We take the time to share our knowledge with the farmers who partner with us and to train them. In return, they share the richness of their cocoa bean cultivation heritage. The end result is chocolate of unmatched quality. Cacao-Trace has a concrete life-changing impact for farmers. We are committed to making Cacao-Trace farmers’ lives better by ensuring that their revenue increases. They benefit from a Quality Premium - yes, more money/kg - as a reward for the high-quality wet beans they deliver. Cacao-Trace also ensures that farmers receive the proceeds of the Chocolate Bonus. This is equivalent to 10 Eurocents collected for every kg of Cacao-Trace chocolate sold and is paid 100% back to farmers. Depending on the country, the quality premium and chocolate bonus result in 2-5 months of additional revenue for the farmers. We also improve their environment and living conditions. By building schools and providing school kits to kids and teachers kits, we help improve education. Building health centers and offering drinkable water equipment improves health. Find out more on cacaotrace.com. 9
TASTE EXPERTISE WITH A FAMILY TOUCH Founded in 1988 and based in the Belgian town of Erembodegem, Belcolade is a Belgian family owned company which has made it its highest goal to discover and use the highest-quality ingredients and innovative techniques to create superior chocolate with unique flavors. We have the passion and drive to focus on the most minute details of the creation process and to personally meet our customers’ needs. Tremendous dedication, superior craftsmanship and taste excellence are what we are all about. Our beans & expertise are at the heart of an amazing spectrum of flavors Our exceptional craftsmanship ensures that every Origins chocolate breathes terroir – taking you back to the roots of taste. Take your senses on a fantastic journey back to these roots and discover the infinite spectrum of flavors borne out of carefully selected cocoa beans from all over the world. Our beans and expertise are at the heart of the Belcolade Origins range. Chocolate has never tasted so amazing … A true feast for the senses! Every day I want to craft chocolate creations giving my guests an unforgettable memory of an exquisite taste sensation. STEF AERTS Technical Advisor Chocolate 11
BELCOLADE ORIGINS RANGE
DISCOVER THE ROOTS OF TASTE 13
UNEXPECTED FLAVORS FROM VIETNAM
Our taste experts came across the Trinitario cocoa bean in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta Region & highlands, an unexpected find. Our beans are mainly sourced from the Mekong Delta, often referred to as Asia’s ‘Little Venice’. We closely collaborate with small, family-owned plantations, which cultivate their beans with tremendous care. Each tree is always carefully selected, grafted, cultivated and maintained, safeguarding the unique flavor of the beans. This region’s terroir is ideal for cultivating Trinitario cocoa. The soil’s low pH lend the cocoa its delicious acidic bite. Thanks to our unique Cacao-Trace fermentation process, we’ve managed to retain the Trinitario bean’s natural acidity and awaken the unique flavor notes within. Our local fermentation experts in the Bê ’n Tre Province always guarantee the full expression of the bean’s flavor. Our Vietnam chocolates evoke the uniqueness of this terroir, making every bite a delicious journey back to the roots of taste. 15
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Noir Vietnam 73% Cacao-Trace The Belcolade Origins Noir Vietnam 73% Cacao-Trace is a dark chocolate overwhelming the senses with the pronounced acidic taste of the Trinitario cocoa bean, zesty citrus notes, light coffee and the warm undertones of wood. Guaranteed by our Cacao-Trace experts in Bê’n Tre. roasted fruity earth cocoa acidic roasted smoked humus wood coffee hazelnut banana citrus dried fruits olive raisin red berries tropical 16
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Lait Vietnam 45% Cacao-Trace This heavenly flavor combination of Asia’s “little Venice” has been cultivated & safeguarded by our Cacao-Trace farmers. The Belcolade Origins Lait Vietnam 45% Cacao-Trace is a milk chocolate containing a subtle mix of caramel & coffee with a touch of roasted cocoa bean flavor. cocoa acidic roasted smoked coffee hazelnut sweet caramel vanilla roasted 17
PURE & NATURAL FRUITY TASTES FROM PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Cultivated on the steep mountain sides along the majestic Sepik River, the cocoa grown in Papua New Guinea uniquely embodies the rare qualities of the soil in the Pacific. Our goal is to safeguard the pure, natural taste of Papua New Guinea’s cocoa and ensure that the magic of its lush forests comes to the fore. Standard Papua New Guinea chocolate typically has an overwhelming smoky flavor. Traditionally, beans are dried with wooden fire, which results in cross-contamination of smoke and impacts the unique natural flavors present in the cocoa beans. To turn this around, we approached the local authorities and asked that we be allowed to try our own drying technique, one that would not involve smoking. This method, used nowhere else in Papua New Guinea, preserves the exquisite natural flavor of the cocoa beans and truly showcases Papua New Guinea’s jewel of the mountains. This unique natural drying process makes us and the farmers we partner with, the first to offer the “ultimate pure chocolate, with taste mastering which starts from the bean.” Around 60 locally-owned post-harvest centres began harmonising their fermentation and homogenisation practices to meet Cacao-Trace standards in June of 2018. Together with our farmers we ensure that the flavors of these organic cocoa beans are safeguarded and expressed to their fullest. 19
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Noir Papua New Guinea 73% Organic Cacao-Trace With taste mastering which starts from the bean, including an exceptional non-smoking drying technique, we preserve the exquisite natural flavor of the cocoa beans and truly showcase Papua New Guinea’s jewel of the mountains along the majestic Sepic river. The surprising complexity of flavors makes this organic chocolate delightfully special. Based on pure, roasted cocoa, this unique chocolate combines the roasted flavors of coffee and hazelnut with notes of both fresh and dried fruit. There’s still more: underlying are hints of black pepper and honey. roasted fruity spice cocoa acidic roasted smoked coffee hazelnut banana citrus dried fruits olive raisin red berries tropical flower honey floral 20 licorice pepper
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Lait Papua New Guinea 39% Organic Cacao-Trace With a cocoa content of 39%, this very fresh and creamy organic milk chocolate crafted from the most flavorful beans offers a characteristic caramel flavor with underlying notes of fruits and a touch of hazelnut. roasted coffee hazelnut dairy butter cooked milk fresh milk fruity banana citrus dried fruits olive raisin red berries tropical sweet caramel vanilla 21
RICH & FLAVORFUL COCOA INTENSITY FROM UGANDA
A rich tapestry of landscapes, bursting with colorful wildlife – Uganda is where everything grows, perfect for producing a powerful cocoa. The Pearl of Africa’s dark mineral soil expresses in this robust yet complex cocoa. The organic Trinitario beans, perfectly fermented according to the Cacao-Trace standards, finally unveil their very true and absolutely stunning flavor profile. 23
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Noir Uganda 80% Organic Cacao-Trace Product of the rich, mineral soil of the Bundibugyo region and the craftsmanship of local organic farmers, this dark chocolate offers a deep and long-lasting roasted cocoa intensity. Cacao-Trace guaranteed, this robust cocoa flavor comes delicately enriched by delightful fresh citrusy & dried fruit notes, while unveiling subtle earthy notes of humus and loam. earth humus wood fruity cocoa acidic roasted smoked banana citrus dried fruits olive raisin red berries tropical 24
DEEP & INTENSE COCOA NOTES FROM CAMEROON
Enveloping a variety of landscapes, from beautiful coasts to towering mountains, from deserts to luxurious rainforest & savanna, home to vibrant, colorful wildlife, Cameroon is “Africa in miniature”, in encompassing the full richness of the African scenery. Born at the heart of the country, the mighty Sanaga river in confluence with the Mbam river form a nourishing and fertile basin, offering the ideal conditions for cocoa to prosper. Thanks to Cacao-Trace controlled fermentation, the red-color Trinitario beans which are so specific to this region can unveil the full potential of their intense and vibrant cocoa notes. 27
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Lait Cameroon 45% Cacao-Trace Born from the lush soil of the valleys of the Sanaga river, the red Trinitario beans so typical of the region are processed and fermentated according to the high quality standards of CacaoTrace. As a result, meet this surprisingly intense milk chocolate which offers deep roasted cocoa notes finely balanced by cooked milk and caramel flavors, to end on a delicate touch of dried fruits. cocoa acidic roasted smoked dairy butter cooked milk fresh milk fruity banana citrus dried fruits olive raisin red berries tropical sweet caramel vanilla 29
EXCEPTIONAL RICH FLORAL AROMAS OF ECUADOR
Ecuador is famous across the globe for its incredibly rare Nacional cacao, so what better place for Belcolade to look for the perfect dark chocolate? Cocoa is the heart of Ecuador. Its prized ‘Nacional’ variety has grown there for over 5,000 years and was one of the first cacao trees to be cultivated. With a floral aroma and complex flavor profile it is no wonder that it was one European chocolatiers’ most coveted luxury items in the 18th and 19th centuries. We mainly use Nacional cacao, renown for its delicate floral notes of Jasmine, or arriba, Spanish word for 'at the top." Nacional cocoa uplifts you to an upper taste level. We especially use beans from Los Ríos and Esmeraldas, known for its incredible floral notes. Esmeraldas cocoa is powerful, while Los Rios cocoa is somewhat less intense and has a subtle earthy essence. 31
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Noir Ecuador 71% Exhilarate in the luscious floral bouquet of Belcolade Origins Noir Ecuador 71%, a dark chocolate made from Nacional cocoa beans that bursts with character and flavor. Its delicate notes of jasmine are complemented by the appealing undercurrent of coffee and humus. It is a match made in heaven but cultivated in the fertile soils of the Esmeraldas and Los Rios regions. cocoa acidic roasted smoked roasted coffee hazelnut floral flower honey earth humus wood 33
A FRUITY FLAVORED MELODY FROM PERU
We searched high and low throughout Peru to find the most exquisite Criollo and Trinitario beans. This quest has resulted in an exceptional chocolate. The Amazon is the cradle of cocoa; its fertility has led to the biodiversity of cocoa that we know today. It is therefore no surprise that Peru holds a unique place in the history of chocolate. We rely on the country’s rich heritage and the traditional expertise of our local Peruvian farmers to produce chocolate that takes you back to the roots of cocoa’s history and taste. In recent years, Peruvian farmers have also returned en masse to their own rich cocoa heritage. They draw on traditions dating back as far as the Inca Empire to produce cocoa of the highest quality. For example, their beans are fermented in traditional wooden boxes. Yet they fully embrace the new, by adhering to the country’s strict quality control standards. 35
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Noir Peru 64% For a totally irresistible dark chocolate, try Belcolade Origins Noir Peru 64%. No other chocolate so successfully and delightfully merges the enticing flavors of Peru’s rich cocoa farming heritage and the Amazon’s primeval wilderness. By mixing Criollo and Trinitario cocoa beans we have created a dark chocolate like no other, with a slightly acidic cocoa taste enhanced with notes of raisins and dried figs. Once tasted, never forgotten. fruity cocoa acidic roasted smoked banana citrus dried fruits olive raisin red berries tropical 36
Want to make your consumers dream of being in the middle of a tropical rainforest? Then offer them the unique taste of Peru 64 combined with lemon balm, coriander seeds or ginger. JEFFREY DE WEYER Technical Advisor Chocolate
A SMOOTH FLAVOR BOUQUET: THE GOLD OF COSTA RICA
Cocoa has a special place in Costa Rica’s culture and history. Savoring our delicious chocolates takes you back to the roots, when cocoa was the local currency – true gold. We partner with around 80 farmers in the Caribbean lowlands. Their agricultural practices show how cocoa remains at the heart of Costa Rica. Known mainly for their coffee in recent years, the fine flavor of Costa Rican Trinitario cocoa is once again their currency of choice. It perfectly reflects their rich culture and lush environment and makes every bite unforgettable. 39
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Noir Costa Rica 64% The ideal climate and soil conditions of Costa Rica, combined with the craftsmanship of local farmers and our taste experts, create this traditional, smooth dark chocolate made from Trinitario beans. Savor the complex medley of wood and olive, which mingles with the enticing aromas of coffee and licorice and a magical hint of acidic roasted cocoa in the background. roasted fruity spice cocoa acidic roasted smoked licorice pepper coffee hazelnut banana citrus dried fruits olive raisin red berries tropical earth humus wood 40
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Lait Costa Rica 38% With a cocoa content of 38%, this mild chocolate is crafted from Trinitario cocoa beans lovingly grown and expertly harvested by local farmers. Discover the aromas of cooked milk and a touch of vanilla resulting in a velvety smooth eating experience. Every bite is pure delight. dairy sweet caramel vanilla butter cooked milk fresh milk 41
THE COCOA TREASURE OF VANUATU
Along the beaches of the small archipelago of Vanuatu, there is a secret treasure growing beneath the shade of the coconut trees. Vanuatu’s Forastero beans are incredibly scarce, making each bean a precious jewel. Vanuatu looks like paradise, but its tropical climate – with frequent cyclones and heavy monsoon season – mean that cocoa farming is not for the faint of heart. Like true survivors, the cocoa farmers never stop giving it their all. Fermentation of the cocoa for our Vanuatu chocolate takes place on Malekula Island. The local farmers have a long-standing tradition of quality, together we guarantee that the cocoa produced here is a genuine national treasure. 43
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Lait Vanuatu 44% The exclusivity of this delightfully mysterious chocolate, from Forastero cocoa beans grown on a remote Pacific island, is matched by its uniquely robust character. Its bouquet of aromas is suggestive of hazelnuts, coffee, cooked milk and caramel. All in all, Belcolade Origins Lait Vanuatu 44% is an exotic treasure that once discovered, you will want to unearth again and again. roasted dairy sweet caramel vanilla coffee hazelnut butter cooked milk fresh milk 44
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THE RICH NUTTY FLAVOR OF VENEZUELA
Venezuela, the country with a landscape of a thousand faces, from majestic mountain ranges, to rain forests and stunning white sand beaches – and hot all year round: it is perfect for growing our Criollo and Trinitario cocoa beans. Together with Peru & Ecuador, Venezuela is the cradle of cocoa! The Criollo dates back to the origin of cocoa, already enjoyed by the Mayans. It is distinguished by its mildness and white creamy color and complex flavor. Our goal was to create an exceptionally smooth chocolate with warm nutty notes and the luxurious creaminess of dairy. We express the warmth of the beans’ natural nutty flavor by carefully roasting and conching them. The result? A divine chocolate with a luscious nutty base and a predominance of classic ‘chocolatey’ notes. 47
This smooth, nutty chocolate matches coffee perfectly. Or for those preferring a fruity touch, integrate some cedro lemon or other exotic fruit in your recipe to create the most delicious flavor melody. STEPHANE LEROUX Technical Advisor Chocolate
BELCOLADE ORIGINS Lait Venezuela 43% This divine milk chocolate entices and then delights, thanks to its luscious nutty base and classic “chocolatey” notes. Our Criollo cocoa beans result in a strong flavor of caramel, hazelnuts and cooked milk with a hint of roasted cocoa. Crafted with care, this rich, warm combination draws you back to the roots of taste, to the heat of Venezuela and the heart of the Amazon. sweet caramel vanilla butter cooked milk fresh milk dairy roasted cocoa acidic roasted smoked coffee hazelnut 49
UGANDA 80% ORGANIC CACAO-TRACE page 24 COSTA RICA 64% page 40 COSTA RICA 38% page 39 PERU 64% page 36 ECUADOR 71% page 33 VANUATU 44% page 44 CAMEROON 45% CACAO-TRACE page 29 PAPUA NEW GUINEA 73% ORGANIC CACAO-TRACE page 20 PAPUA NEW GUINEA 39% ORGANIC CACAO-TRACE page 41 VIETNAM 73% CACAO-TRACE page 16 VIETNAM 45% CACAO-TRACE page 17 VENEZUELA 43 page 49 Belcolade Origins Noir Belcolade Origins Lait