Ep 8. 21st Century Chocolate

In the 21st century, chocolate making has reached a new level of sophistication and variety. In this episode of Unwrapped, we explore the world of contemporary chocolate production and discover the innovative techniques and ingredients that are taking this beloved confection to new heights.

First up, we travel to San Francisco to meet the founder of Dandelion Chocolate, a company that crafts its chocolate from bean to bar, using traditional techniques and ethically sourced cacao beans. We learn about the company's unique "library" of chocolate flavors and discover how they roast, grind, and conch their chocolate to achieve the perfect texture and taste.

Next, we head to Vermont to visit the Lake Champlain Chocolates factory, where we witness the production of their award-winning truffles and other chocolate treats. We learn about the company's commitment to sustainable and organic ingredients, and how they balance tradition with innovation in their approach to chocolate making.

Our next stop is New York City, where we meet the founder of Raaka Chocolate, a company that specializes in unroasted chocolate and unconventional flavor combinations. We learn about the company's process of cold-pressing cacao beans and taste some of their unique bars, such as Bergamot Tea and Smoked Chai.

In California, we visit Chuao Chocolatier, a company that combines premium cacao with unexpected ingredients such as chemical-free honey and fire-roasted peppers. We learn about the company's "flavor profile" system that helps them create harmonious and balanced chocolate blends, and we get a behind-the-scenes look at their production process and packaging design.

Finally, we travel to Oregon to meet the makers of Bee Local Honey, a company that sources honey from local beekeepers and infuses it into chocolate bars made by craft chocolate maker Woodblock Chocolate. We learn about the natural sweetness and nuanced flavors of different types of honey, and discover how they pair with different cacao percentages and origins.

Throughout the episode, host Marc Summers guides us through the world of 21st century chocolate, highlighting the passion and creativity behind each company and product. We learn about the unique challenges and rewards of small-scale chocolate making, and gain a deeper appreciation for the chocolate we consume on a daily basis. Whether you're a die-hard chocolate lover or just curious about the dessert industry, this episode is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and inspire your taste buds.