What is the best chocolate money can buy?
This is a question that naturally raises fervent argument among chocolate-lovers. However, there is a spectrum of chocolate and a very great difference between the various chocolate types along that spectrum. The three tiers are: mass-produced chocolate, premium chocolate and ‘fine’, gourmet chocolate. Obviously we are all familiar with mass-produced chocolate, which can certainly fill a gap on a normal day. But if money is no object and chocolate is your passion, you can buy very special luxury chocolates from master chocolatiers around the world.

Does chocolate have vintages, like wine?
Yes, it does. This is something many people will not be aware of, but in the world of luxury, gourmet, handmade chocolate, there are fine vintages that are sought after. In chocolate terms, ‘vintage’ refers to the amount of aging of the cocoa beans prior to production. The longer the beans are left to age, the greater the concentrated chocolate taste so prized by connoisseurs. Some chocolate-makers age the beans for up to one year, creating a vintage chocolate that is comparable to a robust, mature wine.

Is chocolate bad for me?
The truthful answer is: yes and no. However, ‘yes’ applies only if you overindulge. Like any other foodstuff, chocolate should be consumed in moderation to avoid after-effects on your waistline! But overall, chocolate, proper chocolate, is not bad for you, and in fact has nutritional content. Dark chocolate that is high in cocoa solids is your best choice in terms of healthy eating, because fine dark chocolate that is freshly made does not contain the transfatty acids, E numbers or additives of mass-produced chocolate. The cocoa is a good source of magnesium and anti-oxidants – both important in a healthy diet – and it is a low GI food. As the saying goes, ‘A little of what you fancy never does any harm’!