Modern Marvels: The Art of Chocolate Making (From Bean to Bar!) (Season 18) | History

Summary

In this delightful exploration of Philadelphia's chocolate heritage, viewers are taken on a journey through Shane Confectionery, the oldest continuously operating candy store in the U.S. Founded in 1863, the store showcases the chocolate-making process, from sourcing cacao beans from Colombia to roasting and winnowing them. Head chocolate maker Kevin Paschall shares insights on the fermentation of cacao, the art of tempering chocolate, and the significance of aging for flavor development. The experience culminates in tasting rich, handcrafted chocolates, revealing the complex and nuanced flavors that elevate chocolate beyond mere sweetness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Philadelphia, known as the 'city of brotherly love', is historically significant as the site of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
• 🍫 Shane Confectionery is the oldest continuously operating candy store in the United States, established in 1863.
• 🌍 Cacao trees, native to Central and South America, have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, contributing to the rich history of chocolate.
• 🫘 The cacao beans sourced from Colombia undergo fermentation, which enhances their flavor profile before being processed.
• 🔥 The roasting process takes about 40 minutes and is essential for developing the chocolate's taste.
• 🔧 The winnowing process separates the cacao nibs from the husks, allowing the pure chocolate essence to be extracted.
• ⏳ It takes approximately 24 hours to grind cacao nibs into a chocolate liquor, showcasing the time-intensive process of chocolate making.
• 🍬 Aging the chocolate for about two months helps refine the flavors, making them more complex and balanced.
• 🎭 Tempering chocolate involves carefully controlling temperature to achieve a glossy finish before molding.
• 🐸 The video emphasizes the joy of handcrafting chocolate, from molding to tasting, culminating in a rich and flavorful experience.

Q & A

What is the significance of Philadelphia in the history of chocolate?

Philadelphia, known as the 'city of brotherly love,' was home to one of the first major chocolate markets in the U.S. and is where Benjamin Franklin sold chocolate as early as 1739.

What is Shane Confectionery known for?

Shane Confectionery is recognized as the oldest continuously operating candy store in the United States, established in 1863.

How were cacao beans processed before arriving at Shane Confectionery?

Cacao beans must be grown, fermented, and roasted before reaching the shop. The fermentation process enhances their aroma and flavor.

What are the cacao belt regions?

The cacao belt refers to the areas approximately 20 degrees north and south of the equator where cacao trees can be cultivated.

What is the roasting process for cacao beans at Shane Confectionery?

The cacao beans are roasted in a convection oven for about 40 minutes to develop their flavor before being cracked open.

What is winnowing, and why is it important?

Winnowing is the process of separating cacao nibs from their papery husks after the beans have been roasted. It is crucial for obtaining the edible part of the cacao.

What happens to the cacao nibs after winnowing?

The nibs are ground down to create a chocolate liquor, which can then be combined with sugar and cocoa butter to form the chocolate base.

Why is aging chocolate blocks necessary?

Aging chocolate helps to refine flavors and balance off-notes, enhancing the complexity of the final product over time.

What is the role of tempering in chocolate making?

Tempering is the process of carefully controlling the temperature of melted chocolate to stabilize it, ensuring a glossy finish and a firm texture in the final product.

What unique chocolate shape did the narrator mold during their visit?

The narrator chose to mold chocolate into frog shapes, reflecting the fun and creative aspect of chocolate crafting.