Unveiling Our Exclusive Criollo Truffle Collection.

Chocolate enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an exquisite treat!

We are proud and excited to announce that we are launching an exclusive range of Single Varietal Criollo truffles.

Criollo, known as the "King of Cacao," is one of the rarest and most coveted cacao varieties in the world.

It is believed to be the "original" cacao varietal, dating back to the Mayas and the Aztecs, and it was at risk of extinction for many years.

The cultivation of Criollo was progressively abandoned due to its low yield and due to the development of new hybrid and GMO varietals. These new cacao varietals were bred to produce a higher volume, faster, and be more resistant to the African climate, where more than 70% of the World's cacao comes from.

In comparison, the Criollo is delicate, and mostly cultivated in Venezuela, and it makes up just 0.01% of the global cacao production.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of Criollo cacao, explore the taste profile of these extraordinary truffles, and unveil the delectable secrets Rococo Chocolates has in store for your taste buds.

 

 The marvellous flavours of Criollo

Criollo cacao is celebrated for its distinct flavour profile, which sets it apart from other cacao varieties like the more common Trinitario or Forastero, which is what is primarily grown in Africa, and makes up the bulk of the cacao produced and consumed globally.

Here are some key characteristics that make Criollo chocolate so exceptional:

1. Delicate Aroma: Criollo cacao boasts a fragrant, floral aroma that is often described as heavenly.

2. Subtle, Complex Flavours: Unlike the more robust and bitter notes found in other cacao varieties, Criollo chocolate offers a complex array of flavours. Expect to savour notes of red fruit, honey, nuts, and even hints of spices. The taste is harmonious, nuanced, and utterly delightful.

3. Creamy Texture: Criollo chocolate is known for its exceptionally smooth and creamy texture. It melts in your mouth, leaving a luxurious, velvety sensation, requiring less addition of cacao butter or sugar to achieve a delicious taste.

Discover the unmistakeable taste of Criollo cacao

Now, let's dive into Rococo Chocolates' latest creation, the exclusive Single Varietal Criollo truffle collection. This limited-edition assortment features three distinct truffles, each showcasing the unique characteristics of Criollo cacao:

75% Chuao Criollo Dark Chocolate Ganache

Flavours of lightly roasted hazelnuts are encasing the chocolaty notes of this chocolate. A light sweet passion fruit acidity is present in the background.

The ganache is enrobed in a very thin layer of the 75% Chuao coverture, which supports the intensity and delivers a medium aftertaste with a clean finish. 

This ganache has a bold chocolate taste that will delight dark chocolate lovers.

62% Canaobo Criollo Dark Chocolate Ganache

Floral notes and flavours of pine nuts, honey. The ganache is enrobed with 75% Chuao Dark Chocolate. 

This ganache has a delicate flavour that reveals itself as the chocolate melts on the tongue, and that lingers on the palate.

38% Ocumare Criollo Milk Chocolate Ganache

We use a mix of Ocumare 38% Milk Chocolate and Ocumare 100% Dark Chocolate to bring the natural notes of caramel and walnuts. 

The roasted oat notes of the Ocumare 100% balances the sweetness of the ganache, creating a truly indulgent and flavourful ganache.

The 75% Chuao coverture brings intensity and the perfect contrast allowing the light acidity of the Chuao to enhance the caramelly flavours of the Ocumare.

Our Criollo cacao ganache truffles are made by hand weekly in our London chocolate kitchen.
To let the true taste of Criollo cacao shine through, they are only made with butter, sugar and cream, and have a very short shelf life.
We recommend eating your Criollo shortly after purchasing them to ensure the flavours are preserved.

They are available to purchase from the counter of our London stores, or from our website.