Review: Valrhona Cacao Pâte Extra 100% three kilograms (3 kg)

Lindy's Rating: 6.5

Richard's Rating: 6.5

chocolate maker Valrhona bar Cacao Pâte Extra region (unknown) plantation (blend) cacao trees (unknown) year (unknown) size 3000g ~ 105.8oz cocoa solids 100% added fat cocoa butter sweetener (none) emulsifier (none) flavoring (none) other ingredients (none) list price N/A

color medium brown PANTONE 19-1314 Seal Brown texture smooth with text imprint aroma earth (grass, hay), fruit, roast snap (N/A) taste earth, wood, fruit, roast (black tea), chalky melt smooth length medium finish slightly ashy

Cacao Pâte Extra is a professional chocolate that Valrhona sells in packages of three one-kilogram bars. Each kilogram bar is scored into five pieces, and each piece has an imprint of the Valrhona name. This is the third Valrhona professional chocolates we purchased from Chocolopolis (who breaks up the bars and repackages and sells pieces of approximately 200 grams each).

Using 100% cocoa solids, Valrhona made Cacao Pâte Extra from a blend of cacao beans. The chocolate had a medium brown Seal Brown (PANTONE 19-1314) color. We were unable to test the snap of this bar due to its block form.

The aroma of earthy, with scents of grass and hay. We also smelled fruit, and I noticed some roast as well.

Cacao Pâte Extra tasted earthy as well, although without the distinct grass and hay from the aroma. Flavors included wood, fruit, and a roast of oversteeped black tea. Lindy also tasted some chalkiness.

The melt was smooth. With the flavor lasting 35 to 40 seconds after the chocolate was gone, the length was at the long end of medium. The finish was slightly ashy.

You can purchase one kilogram repackaged bars of Valrhona Cacao Pâte Extra for $29.15 or the full three kilogram original Valrhona package for $79.95 from Chocosphere. Chocolopolis also sells repackaged pieces (of approximately 200 grams each) for $10.00 in their store (but not online).