Review: Pacari Raw 70%

Richard's Rating: 7.5

chocolate maker Pacari bar Raw 70% region Ecuador plantation (blend) cacao trees (unknown) year 2012 size 50g ~ 1.8oz cocoa solids 70% added fat cocoa butter sweetener cane sugar emulsifier sunflower lecithin flavoring (none) other ingredients (none) list price $5.99

color medium-dark brown PANTONE 19-1015 Bracken texture smooth, scoring, scuffing aroma floral, earth (must), vinegar, cocoa, spice, fruit snap medium hard taste fruit (berry, raisin, citrus, hint of apple), floral (jasmine), sour, acidic, cocoa, earth, sweet, nut melt smooth length short finish acidic, somewhat sour

Pacari makes single origin certified organic chocolate locally in Ecuador. They pay above-market prices to support sustainable organic agriculture and social responsibility. Pacari makes both raw and roasted chocolate bars. Their raw chocolates are all produced at temperatures below 48 degrees Celsius (118°F). Raw 70% is one of their three unflavored raw chocolate bars (the others are Raw 85% and Raw 100%, both previously reviewed).

The ingredients of Raw 70% were cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, and sunflower lecithin. The 70% cocoa solids included additional cocoa butter made from those same beans. The 50 gram bar was scored into 15 pieces. It came enclosed in a silver plastic pouch inside a paper box. The best before date was 27 January 2014.

The color of this chocolate was very close to that of Raw 85%, not matching a medium-dark brown Bracken (PANTONE 19-1015) due to having additional red. The surface of the bar was smooth, but not glossy. There was slight scuffing and a few adhered bits of chocolate. The snap was medium hard.

Raw 70% had an aroma similar to Pacari's other raw bars, with floral, musty earth, vinegar, cocoa, spice, and fruit scents. There was a little more vinegar in this aroma.

The chocolate had the most fruit flavor among the three, with a complex mix of berry, raisin, citrus, a hint of apple, and likely other fruits I didn't identify. It had many additional flavors, such as floral in the form of jasmine, cocoa, earthy, and nutty, while tasting acidic, sour, and sweet.

The melt was smooth. The chocolate flavor lasted 15 to 20 seconds after the chocolate was gone, giving a short length. The finish was acidic and somewhat sour.

Overall, in spite of the excessive acidity in the finish, I liked Raw 70% best among Pacari's raw bars due to its fascinating taste.

You can purchase Raw 70% for $5.99 in the U.S. and Canada directly from Pacari or for $5.75 from Chocosphere. You can buy Raw 70% for £2.99 in the U.K. and other countries from The Raw Chocolate Shop.