Belgian+Chocolate

Belgian chocolate is a chocolate produced in Belgium, but you probably could’ve guessed that; although, the raw materials used in production do not even originate in Belgium. The country has had an association with this treat dating back to 1635 when it was under Spanish occupation. This was shortly after chocolate was brought to Europe from Mesoamerica. Eventually, in the mid 18th century, the purchase of this chocolate was popular among the upper and middle classes. By 1900, it was increasingly affordable for the entire working class. The production and exportation of the chocolate has since become a major industry for Belgium. Today, it plays an extremely important role in the nation’s economy and culture.When the industry expanded immensely in the 19th century, it gained international recognition, yet there is no universal standard for what chocolate needs, to be labelled ‘Belgian.’ The most commonly accepted standard dictates that the actual production of the chocolate must take place in Belgium. There are three main types of Belgian chocolate: pralines, truffles and eggs, animals, or figurines. The praline was, in fact, invented by the Belgian chocolate industry. They are soft-centered confections with a chocolate casing, often filled with nuts, marzipan, salted caramel, coffee, liquor, and more. There are distinct differences between Belgian pralines and the sweets popular in France or the U.S., often called the same. Some of the largest manufacturers of pralines in Belgium are Neuhaus, Godiva, Leonidas, and Guylian. Another type of Belgian chocolate is the truffle, which is in the form of a flaky or smooth chocolate ball or truffle-shaped lump. They can sometimes be encrusted with wafers or coated in a high-quality cocoa powder. Truffles contain a soft ganache which is a semi-emulsion of liquid inside of the chocolate ball, some can have fruit, nut or coffee ganache. Lastly, eggs, animals, and figurine chocolates are especially known in Belgium. Smaller chocolatiers make these hand-finished, luxury treats; however, these kinds are more popular around the holidays. Today, there are over 2,000 chocolatiers in the country with over 172,000 tons of chocolate being produced per year, and exported all over. It is widely appreciated by the country and many all over the world, and definitely something that Belgian peoples take pride in. Côte-d'Or is the largest commercial brand available, so while in Europe, we will most likely be able to find this kind in nearly all Belgian grocery stores. This chocolate will not compare to the Hersheys we have here!