International Chocolate

International chocolate comes in all different flavors. You may be thinking, "Chocolate is chocolate. What's so special about international chocolate?" We'll tell you.

International Chocolate

After sampling chocolate from different nations, you may or may not think international chocolate is special.Some of us are so accustomed to whatever chocolate we ate growing up that any other kind just isn't as good. And let's face it--if you grew up in the United States, you probably didn't eat a lot of international chocolate as a kid. If you did, you might not have known it. Or, if international chocolate is the only kind you've ever known, you might think American chocolates aren't up to par.

Different Types of International Chocolate

The term international chocolate is actually somewhat vague, but it encompasses chocolates from all over the world. Any of the following types of chocolate can be considered international chocolate:

French chocolate
Swiss chocolate
Belgian chocolate
German chocolate
European chocolate
Dutch chocolate

Each of these different types of chocolate have different flavors and different histories. For instance:

The French use a blend of up to four different kinds of cocoa beans to make their chocolate. In addition, they don't contain less than 43% cocoa butter. (Some French chocolatiers use no less than 80% cocoa butter.)
The Swiss are credited with creating milk chocolate.
Belgians are credited with creating the praline.
The Dutch created the cocoa press, making chocolate more usable in powdered form as in chocolate milk powder, hot chocolate mixes, baking mixes, etc.

Usually international chocolates have a smoother texture than most, and many are considered to be gourmet chocolate. Some are more bitter than others, too. With international chocolates, you're sure not to get the same flavor with each different one. The best way to tell is to compare chocolates from different countries side by side. It's like choosing a dark chocolate from a box of assorted chocolates, then immediately eating a milk chocolate piece. They both taste like chocolate, but the dark chocolate is more bitter. (Healthier too, incidentally.)

If you're not familiar with international chocolates, it can't hurt to give them a try. You might like them! And, while you're at it, don't forget to get a chocolate gift for the best way to say I Love You.

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