Here are the steps to how to taste chocolate, which you will be able to learn and practice on our Harvard Square Chocolate Tour which is a chocolate tasting tour and chocolate walking tour:
Look
Notice the surface of the chocolate: is it glossy? matte?
Snap
Break the chocolate in half: do you hear a snap? If so, that means it was a well-tempered chocolate which is the sign of a talented chocolatier!
Rub
Rub the surface of the chocolate and see if its aromas are released.
Smell
Inhale: what do you smell?
Savor
Hold the chocolate at the roof of your mouth and let it melt slowly against your tongue.
Taste
Can you describe the taste of the chocolate? Sweet? Salty? Bitter? Umami? Chew it slowly and experience it.
Finish
Does the chocolate taste linger inside of your mouth? Notice and evaluate the taste and aftertaste.
Best of all, tasting chocolate is entirely subjective and unique to every individual. That’s why there are so many chocolate varieties out there for you to experience and critique. Also, the percentage of cacao in the chocolate bar itself indicates quantity not necessarily quality. We can’t wait to have you on a future Chocolate Tour and explore a variety of options together.