At some point in every chocolate lover's life, (most likely while enjoying a box full of Purdys assorted chocolates) we’ve all wondered – How is white chocolate made? Is it even real chocolate? Though the answers are much debated, there's no denying that this sweeter and creamier cousin of dark chocolate is one of the most popular (and delectable) desserts.
One reason for its popularity is its versatility. Unlike dark chocolate, which can be a dominant flavour, white chocolate has a subtle flavour that complements a wide range of ingredients. It pairs well with fruits, nuts, coffee and even savoury flavours like cheese and herbs. But there’s still a lot that we might need to know about white chocolate.
So today, once and for all, Purdys’ Master Chocolatier, Rachel McKinley answers the most commonly asked questions. Now get ready for some white chocolate enlightenment!
How is white chocolate made?
White chocolates are made from cocoa butter. Cocoa butter comes from cocoa beans. Cocoa beans are harvested, fermented and dried before being transported to chocolate makers. The chocolate maker roasts the beans and then grinds them to a paste to make what is called cocoa liquor. To make white chocolate, the cocoa liquor is put into a very strong hydraulic press that presses the cocoa butter out of the cocoa liquor. This is the same way that olive oil is pressed out of olives. (Fun fact: the ‘leftovers’ from this process is called ‘cake’ and it is ground up into cocoa powder.)
Once the cocoa butter is pressed, it is filtered and then milled with milk powder and sugar until it is a smooth consistency and then it is officially white chocolate!
Is white chocolate real chocolate?
Yes! Chocolate is defined by how much content in the product comes from the cocoa bean itself and all of the cocoa butter in white chocolate comes from the bean. In Canada, white chocolate must contain a minimum of 20% cocoa butter to be called chocolate.
What makes Purdys White Chocolate different from other white chocolates?
Purdys White Chocolate exceeds the minimum 20% standard at 26%. It is a creamy, buttery, smooth white chocolate that is not too sweet and is lightly flavoured with vanilla.
What makes Purdys White Chocolate different from other white chocolates?
Purdys White Chocolate exceeds the minimum 20% standard at 26%. It is a creamy, buttery, smooth white chocolate that is not too sweet and is lightly flavoured with vanilla.
What is Gold Chocolate?
Gold chocolates or caramelized white chocolates are made just like white chocolate except that before the sugar is milled into the chocolate, it is cooked and browned so that it imparts a caramel flavour into the white chocolate. As a result, this chocolate is a light golden colour and tastes like caramel. It still has the same texture and melting abilities as white chocolate.
How is Purdys Mango crafted using white chocolate?
Purdys Mango is a mango and white chocolate ganache in a white chocolate shell painted with mango-coloured cocoa butter. We use pure mango puree to flavour the ganache, making a gorgeous mango-coloured centre. We chose white chocolate for this flavour to really amplify the tropical fruitiness of the mango and to make the colour pop. If you are not typically a white chocolate fan, this is a good one to try– the burst of mango is lovely with the creamy white chocolate.
How to temper white chocolate?
White chocolate can be easily tempered at home. Using Purdys Classic White Chocolate Bar, pack of 9, 360 g, chop the chocolate bars fine. Reserve 1/3 of the chopped chocolate. For the rest, place in a microwave-safe plastic bowl and heat in the microwave 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between each burst. Do this until the chocolate is fully melted. Add in the reserved chocolate pieces and stir until smooth and your chocolate should be in temper. Be careful to heat in short bursts and to stir frequently – white chocolate is delicate and can be prone to burning.
White chocolate is a unique and delicious type of chocolate that has its own distinct flavour and texture. And yes, it is real chocolate! While it may not be for everyone, you definitely need to give it a try. Here are some of the best white chocolate treats Purdys has to offer.
