Since the 18th century, the French people have eaten delicious chocolates with a unique and bitter chocolate taste: The Truffle.
How was chocolate discovered?
This cocoa drink was so popular at the Spanish royal gatherings that when the new French Queen, Maria Teresa, arrived at Versailles Palace, she was really missing her bitter cocoa drink. For that reason, she brought this special ingredient from Spain to France and made it famous. The new cocoa drink was then served at all royal parties of Louis XIV.
Since Maria Teresa’s time, French patissiers have always been seeking this original bitter cocoa taste in their chocolate creations. One of the best examples is the special chocolate called “Truffle”. The bitter sweet Truffle, unlike other Belgian or Swiss chocolates which are quite sweet, is a French specialty. It is very similar to the original cocoa drink that was once served at the Spanish and French royal gatherings.
Nowadays Truffle remains certainly the most traditional chocolate, favored not only by the Royal Families but also in every French home.
Why is it called “Truffle”?
The appearance of this chocolate is so special when compared to other chocolates that French people decided to give it a peculiar name: “Truffle”.
In French, “Truffle” is the name of a very precious wild mushroom, found only in autumn season around oak trees. Because it grows inside the ground, it is very difficult to find. The appearance of the mushroom is like a black, irregular ball. The smell and taste are so beautiful that every chef wants it to prepare delicious cuisine. The price of this mushroom can cost up to several thousand﹩per kilo depending on the season.
It is no surprise that Truffle chocolates are made to resemble the highly-prized wild black fungi: dark with irregular appearance and covered with cocoa powder.
Why is the Truffle so famous?
It's distinct taste!
People who dislike sweet and low quality milk chocolates will love the Truffle. Its content of sugar is reduced to preserve the original taste of chocolate and is often regarded as a “must” by chocolate lovers.
The chocolate has a low melting point which gives the mouth a long lasting “icy” feeling when tasted at the right temperature.
It's healthy properties
Chocolate was used for thousands of years as a medicine by tribes in Central and South America, before becoming more commonly known as a sweet snack. Cocoa, from which chocolate Truffle is made, actually contains more than 300 elements, including glucides, lipids, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, vitamins, theobromine and phenylethylamine, flavanol-mediated, polyphenols, flavonoids.
Chocolate Truffle is probably healthier than average chocolate products. Of course there is less sugar, but it is also covered with cocoa powder. This last ingredient contains natural powerful anti-oxidants, which are believed to boost the immune system, improve blood circulation, and defend against destructive molecules causing cancer, heart disease and stroke. They also improve digestion and stimulate kidneys activity.
By improving blood circulation, experts suggest that the flavanol-mediated rise in the blood flow of the skin is likely to improve its appearance and reduce effects of aging. It also perfectly hydrates and smoothes skin with its excellent emollient properties.
Finally, it acts as an anti-depressant, because of the theobromine and phenylethylamine having a stimulating effect on the system. It can stimulate the release of endorphins and the brain activity too.
Why eat Truffle?
Intensely rich chocolate balls rolled in dark cocoa powder, French people highly regard the Truffle above all other chocolates. It is a special treat for special occasions and makes the perfect gift for all festive occasions, especially for Christmas, Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
