Couverture chocolate

Couverture chocolate is a very high-quality chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter (32–39%) than baking or eating chocolate.[1] This additional cocoa butter, combined with proper tempering, gives the chocolate more sheen, a firmer "snap" when broken, and a creamy mellow flavor.

Couverture chocolate
Warmed couverture chocolate for baking
TypeChocolate
Main ingredientsCocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar

The total "percentage" cited on many brands of chocolate is based on some combination of cocoa butter in relation to cocoa solids (cacao). In order to be properly labeled as "couverture", the dark chocolate product must contain not less than 35% total dry cocoa solids, including not less than 31% cocoa butter and not less than 2.5% of dry non-fat cocoa solids, milk chocolate couverture must contain not less than 25% dry cocoa solids.[2] Couverture is used by professionals for dipping, coating, molding and garnishing.

The term "couverture chocolate" is distinct from compound chocolate. Products that contain compound chocolate have a lower percentage of solids and contain non-cocoa fats.

Some brands of couverture chocolate are packaged tempered, and others are packaged untempered. Subsequent tempering may or may not be required, depending on the usage and the desired characteristics of the final product.

See also

References
  1. Carole Bloom, CCP (19 March 2007). The Essential Baker: The Comprehensive Guide to Baking with Chocolate, Fruit, Nuts, Spices, and Other Ingredients. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 372–. ISBN 978-0-7645-7645-4.
  2. European Parliament (2008) [2000]. Directive 2000/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 June 2000, relating to cocoa and chocolate products intended for human consumption [with amendments A1, M1, through 21.11.2008]. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Retrieved 25 December 2015.


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