The Allure of 70% Dark Chocolate

Have you ever wondered why chocolate connoisseurs rave about 70% dark chocolate?

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’ve been handcrafting artisanal chocolate bars since 2007, and like most other artisan producers we have our own 70% bar in our lineup.

Our Signature Seventy chocolate bar is closely based to the original recipe that Mr Popple was excited to share with the world.

So what makes 70% such a special percentage for chocolate?

Definition of 70% Chocolate

The “70%” is the amount of cocoa solids in a 70% bar – no more, and no less.

The remaining 30% is often made up of cane sugar, but at Mr Popple’s we like to do things a but differently, in ways that can benefit your health as well as your taste buds, so we use a tasty yet healthy alternative to sugar called ‘yacon syrup’ – more on this later.

Brief history of the chocolate bar

The story of the chocolate bar begins with the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, who revered cacao as a gift from the gods.

For centuries, chocolate was consumed as a bitter drink, far from the chocolate bars we know today.

It wasn’t until the 19th century, after chocolate was brought to Europe, that solid chocolate bars emerged. This paved the way for the dark chocolate we savour today.

Why 70% is considered the “sweet spot” for many chocolate lovers

Imagine biting into a piece of chocolate that’s neither too bitter nor too sweet – that’s the magic of a 70% bar.

It’s the Goldilocks of the chocolate world: just right.

With a perfect balance of intense cocoa richness and subtle sweetness, a 70% bar offers a rich, complex taste experience that hits the spot in a moment, yet keeps you coming back for more.

What Makes 70% Dark Chocolate Bars Unique?

The perfect balance of intensity and sweetness

Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content strikes a harmonious chord between robust cocoa notes and gentle sweetness.

It’s like a well-orchestrated symphony, where no single element overpowers the others.

This balance allows you to fully appreciate the nuanced tasting notes of the cocoa beans without being overwhelmed by bitterness or sugar.

Complex taste profiles

Did you know that chocolate can have as many aromatic notes as wine?

A high quality 70% bar is a treasure trove of taste, offering a complex flavour profile that showcases that strain and origin of the cacao used as the core ingredient of the bar.

The Peruvian Criollo Cacao that we use in our Signature Seventy bar includes hints of fruit, nuts, spices, and even floral notes. Each bite is an adventure for your taste buds, revealing new layers of flavour as it melts on your tongue.

Texture and mouthfeel

The texture of an artisan 70% dark chocolate bar is nothing short of luxurious.

As it melts, it coats your palate with a silky smoothness that’s utterly indulgent.

The higher cocoa content gives it a satisfying snap when you break a piece, followed by a creamy melt. It’s a tactile experience that engages all your senses.

The Science Behind 70% Dark Chocolate

Antioxidant content

Dark chocolate contains an army of antioxidants – and the darker the chocolate, the larger the army!

These little warriors help protect your body from harmful free radicals. In fact, dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables.

Not only that, but our chocolate has been tested and shown to have the highest amount of antioxidants compared to other leading brands.

It’s like having a delicious tasting shield against oxidative stress!

Potential health benefits

The potential health benefits of bars with 70% cocoa mass or higher reads like a wish list for wellbeing.

From supporting heart health to improving brain function, this delightful treat might just be your new favourite superfood.

Some studies even suggest it could help lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity. Who knew indulgence could be so good for you?

Mood-boosting properties

Feeling a bit down in the dumps? A square of 70% dark chocolate might be just the ticket to turn that frown upside down.

Dark chocolate contains compounds that can stimulate the production of endorphins, those lovely little chemicals that make you feel happy.

It’s like a hug for your brain, wrapped in a delicious chocolate package.

Mr Popple’s Signature Seventy: A Raw Chocolate Revolution

Introduction to Mr Popple’s Chocolate philosophy

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’ve been on a mission since 2007 to create the most exquisite, ethically-sourced dark chocolate you’ve ever tasted. Our philosophy is simple: let nature’s finest ingredients shine through minimal processing.

We believe that chocolate should be more than just a sweet treat; it should be an experience that awakens your senses and nourishes your body.

That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to crafting our Signature Seventy – a 70% bar that’s as close to nature as you can get without plucking a cacao pod yourself!

Unique ingredients: Unroasted Peruvian Criollo cacao, yacon syrup, and lucuma fruit

Now, you might be thinking, “What makes Mr Popple’s chocolate so special?” Well, let me tell you, it’s all in the ingredients!

We start with the crème de la crème of cacao beans: unroasted Peruvian Criollo. This rare variety is known for its complex, fruity flavour profile and is often called the “prince of cocoa”.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. Instead of roasting our beans (which can diminish some of the cacao’s natural goodness), we keep our cacao raw, and use a gentle, stone grinding process. This preserves the bean’s delicate flavours and keeps all those lovely antioxidants intact. It’s like capturing lightning in a bottle – or in this case, in a chocolate bar!

And we don’t stop there. Instead of refined sugar, we sweeten our chocolate with yacon syrup. Never heard of it? You’re in for a treat! This natural sweetener comes from the roots of the yacon plant and has a lovely caramel-like flavour. It’s also low on the glycaemic index, making it a fantastic option for those watching their sugar intake. Not only that, but it acts as a prebiotic, feeding all of the healthy bacteria in your gut and improving the health of your gut microbiome.

But perhaps the pièce de résistance? That would be the addition of lucuma fruit. This Peruvian superfood adds a subtle maple-like sweetness and a creamy texture that’ll make your taste buds dance a jig. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals.

Who said indulgence couldn’t be healthy?

Tasting notes and flavour profile

Right, now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for – what does this chocolate actually taste like?

Imagine, if you will, taking a bite of Mr Popple’s Signature Seventy. As it begins to melt on your tongue, you’ll first notice a bright, fruity acidity – that’s the unroasted Criollo cacao talking.

This initial burst of flavour then gives way to deeper, more complex notes. You might detect hints of red berries, perhaps a whisper of citrus.

As the chocolate continues to melt, the creamy lucuma comes into play, smoothing out the edges and adding a subtle sweetness that dances on your palate.

But wait, there’s more! (Isn’t there always with good chocolate?) As the flavours develop, you might pick up on earthy undertones, perhaps a hint of nuts or even a floral note. It’s like a symphony in your mouth, with each ingredient playing its part to create a harmonious whole.

And the texture? Oh, it’s something else entirely. Silky smooth, it coats your mouth without a hint of graininess. It’s the kind of chocolate that demands to be savoured, not scoffed. (Although we won’t judge if you can’t resist going back for more!)

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’re not just making chocolate; we’re crafting an experience. From the carefully selected ingredients to the meticulous production process, every step is designed to bring you the most flavourful, healthful, and ethically-produced 70% dark chocolate bar possible.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a chocolate that’s a cut above the rest, why not give our Signature Seventy a try? Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be supporting sustainable, ethical chocolate production.

Now that’s what we call a win-win situation!

Ethical and Sustainable Chocolate Production: A Sweet Revolution

Mr Popple’s commitment to fair trade and sustainability

Have you ever wondered about the journey your chocolate takes before it reaches your hands?

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’re passionate about making sure that journey is as ethical and sustainable as possible. Since 2007, we’ve been committed to sourcing our ingredients responsibly, ensuring that every bite of our Signature Seventy bar isn’t just delicious, but also guilt-free.

Our cacao is sourced from a farmers co-operative in Peru, ensuring fair prices are paid for their exquisite cacao beans. It’s not just about business; it’s about building relationships and ensuring that more of the sales goes back to the farmers, to help to support their communities and improve their livelihoods.

The importance of organic and ethically sourced ingredients

But why stop at fair trade? We believe that truly great chocolate should be kind to both people and planet.

That’s why we use only organic ingredients in our Signature Seventy bar. Our cacao beans are grown without harmful pesticides or chemical fertilisers, preserving the biodiversity of the rainforest and protecting the health of farmers and consumers alike.

And it’s not just about the cacao. Remember that lucuma fruit and yacon syrup we mentioned earlier? They’re organically grown too, supporting sustainable agriculture practices in Peru. It’s a win-win situation: better for the environment, better for the farmers, and dare we say, better tasting too!

How conscious chocolate consumption can make a difference

Now, you might be thinking, “Can my chocolate choices really make a difference?”

The answer is a resounding yes!

By choosing ethically produced chocolate, you’re voting with your wallet for a more sustainable and equitable cocoa industry.

It’s like a ripple effect – your choice influences producers, who in turn support ethical farming practices, creating a positive cycle of change.

The growing popularity of bean-to-bar chocolate

Have you noticed more ‘bean-to-bar’ chocolate bars popping up lately?

This isn’t just a passing fad.

The bean-to-bar movement represents a return to artisanal chocolate making, where makers like us control every step of the process from sourcing the beans to crafting the final bar.

It’s about quality, transparency, and a deep respect for the art of chocolate making.

The benefits and unique qualities of 70% dark chocolate

So, what have we learned about 70% dark chocolate?

It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, potentially beneficial for heart health, and a mood-booster to boot.

Its complex flavour profile offers a taste experience like no other, with notes that can range from fruity to nutty to floral.

And when produced ethically, like our Signature Seventy, it’s a treat you can feel good about in more ways than one.

So why not embark on your own 70% dark chocolate adventure?

Try different brands, origins, and flavour combinations.

Host a tasting party with friends, or simply savour a square as part of your evening wind-down routine.

Remember, appreciating fine chocolate is an art – take your time, engage your senses, and most importantly, enjoy the experience!

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’re not just making chocolate; we’re crafting experiences, supporting communities, and promoting sustainable practices.

So next time you’re in the mood for a truly special treat, why not give our Signature Seventy a try? Your taste buds – and your conscience – will thank you!