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Post by Alan on Mar 28, 2006 20:44:14 GMT -5
Hello all, I have been working at better developing my palate. There is a book that I mention constantly called "The Chocolate Connoisseur" by Chloe Doutre-Roussel, and I have found it very helpful. In addition to that book, there is one called "How to taste" by Jancis Robinson. It is about wine tasting but is still quite useful for learning how to distinguish the difference between things like acid, bitterness, and acrid qualities. Finally, I just recently came across the coolest thing: www.oxfordchemicals.com/oxford/ocweb.nsf/flavourwheel!OpenPage It is a "Flavour Wheel" that explains how various chemicals are related to different aromas and tastes. Last but not least, the key to developing one's palate is to taste a wide variety of chocolate, mostly higher quality, often, and to keep a database of what you discover. I have been tasting everyday and keeping a database of the results. Every time I taste I learn something new. I am not eating over 1 lb. of chocolate a day like Chloe, but still, I'm learning. Anyway, just thought I would share. Alan
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Post by Alan on Mar 30, 2006 20:52:17 GMT -5
I also found a short but useful section on chocolate tasting in the book:
The New Taste of Chocolate by Maricel Presilla
Alan
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Post by chocomania on Mar 31, 2006 11:38:53 GMT -5
wow thanks for these infos. i was about to post this question. i have no idea where to start in developing my palate. you guys talk about acidic, fruity , etc... and i cant even detect them...
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Post by Alan on Mar 31, 2006 13:51:47 GMT -5
wow thanks for these infos. i was about to post this question. i have no idea where to start in developing my palate. you guys talk about acidic, fruity , etc... and i cant even detect them... Well the Doutre-Roussel book is aother good place to start and the Jancis Robinson book is also very good as she talks about various qualities in detail. Just remember that it is about wine, though much of it can be cross-applied to chocolate tasting. Alan
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Post by seneca on Mar 31, 2006 14:28:40 GMT -5
For what it's worth (self-promotion alert! :-) we've posted our tasting guide and flavor wheel at our blog here: bittersweetcafe.blogspot.comI think it's the second or third posting...
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Post by Alan on Mar 31, 2006 14:44:32 GMT -5
For what it's worth (self-promotion alert! :-) we've posted our tasting guide and flavor wheel at our blog here: bittersweetcafe.blogspot.comI think it's the second or third posting... Good stuff... Thanks. Alan
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