Local Feature!
Fortunato Chocolate @fortunatochocolate based in Issaquah WA is an interesting player in the chocolate scene: they have access to Pure Nacionale beans farmed by small family farms in northern Peru.
*A bit of cacao history here: Nacionale is a rare heirloom variety of cacao, thought to be a direct descendant of the original “Mother” trees cultivated by indigenous peoples for centuries. It is prized for its superior mild, complex and floral flavors. It was all the rage in Europe in the 19th century but was devastated by disease and thought to be extinct, until secluded groves of the pure Nacionale trees were recently rediscovered deep in South American jungles.
Fortunato supplied upscale restaurants and chocolatiers for years, and only recently (2020) began selling their chocolate directly to the public. Now their shop in Issaquah Commons (shopping center) is bustling with activity and bursting with all kinds of applications of their singular chocolate.
What impressed me the most was their (limited) darker chocolates (they recently began offering an 84%): because of the superior genetics and fine flavor of the Nacionale beans, 84% tastes like 70%. IMO the more pedestrian confections (chocolate dipped fruit, nut clusters, milk chocolate offerings) are not the best application for this chocolate. With its superpowers, I’m wanting to see even darker offerings to show off its abilities.
I will absolutely be a long-term repeat customer for their 84% Dark squares with sea salt (NOM), and look forward to seeing what else they might do with their supply of special beans!
(P.S. their retail shop is open 7 days a week but is quite close to their more corporate location also in Issaquah so just be aware if maps tries to send you to the site on the last slide 😊)
.
.
.
.
#chocolate#chocolatebars#craftchocolate#craftchocolatebar#chocolatereview#fortunatochocolate#singleoriginchocolate#peruvianchocolate#purenacionalcacao#craftchocolatereview#darkchocolate#qualitydarkchocolate#chocophile#eatallthechocolate#tryallthechocolate#chocogram#chocolateofinstagram#chocolateofig#nomnomnom