Cold-pressed chocolate?

The latest products, ingredients and trends that should be in your storecupboard

WHAT IS IT?

As the name suggests, coldpressed chocolate is prepared at a low temperature, unlike normal chocolate which involves roasting cocoa beans at high temperatures.

SO HOW EXACTLY IS IT MADE?

Adam’s Chocolate, a company which makes cold-pressed chocolate, explains ‘The cocoa beans are fermented, then ground into a powder using a giant pestle and mortar. The powder is then compressed into blocks of cacao paste. This is an alternative method of preparing the beans instead of roasting. After this, our cooking process keeps the mixture below 42C.’

OKAY, AND WHY COLDPRESSED?

Preparing the beans at low temperatures preserves the natural nutrients in the cocoa beans, as well as the flavour, some of which are lost when beans are roasted.

I’M INTERESTED! HOW DOES IT TASTE?

Adam’s chocolates have a rich cocoa taste and fudgy texture. To further increase health benefits, they also contain natural sweeteners like yacon (a sweet root), as well as nuts and dried fruits. We like the coconut & caramel flavour, using coconut oil for a smoother texture, and chunks of dried banana.

WHERE CAN I GET IT?

Adam’s coldpressed chocolate is available online at adams chocolates.com and at Whole Foods.

Anna Lawson