Handcrafted Belgian Chocolates and Fresh Flowers: The Perfect Pair

May 20
07:28

2024

Timothy Spencer

Timothy Spencer

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

A bouquet of flowers paired with a box of chocolates is a timeless gift, but nothing compares to the elegance of handcrafted Belgian chocolates alongside fresh blooms. This article delves into why Belgian handmade chocolates stand out from the mass-produced varieties you find in supermarkets, making them the ultimate complement to your floral gift.

The Language of Love: Flowers and Chocolates

Flowers have long symbolized passion and love,Handcrafted Belgian Chocolates and Fresh Flowers: The Perfect Pair Articles while chocolates serve as the very voice of this affection. Whether it's a love for the sweet, luscious confection itself or a token of love for someone special, chocolates make an excellent gift. The best chocolates to pair with a bouquet are assorted types—those that come in a beautifully designed box filled with a delightful mix of truffles, bonbons, and pralines. Forrest Gump was right when he said, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get." The thrill of guessing whether a bonbon is filled with coconut ganache, caramel, or mint adds to the excitement and pleasure of opening a box of chocolates.

Why Handcrafted Chocolates?

When combining chocolates with flowers, it's crucial to ensure that your chocolates match the exotic appeal of your floral gift. Avoid pairing your flowers with commercial chocolates from the grocery store. While milk chocolates are great for everyday indulgence, nothing complements your flowers better than a set of handcrafted chocolates.

The Belgian Chocolate Standard

Among all the assorted chocolates available, Belgian chocolates are undoubtedly the crème de la crème. They set the standard by which all other chocolates are measured. Even the Swiss, renowned for their chocolate, imported their recipe from Belgian chocolatiers. Belgian chocolates are unique because they are made from the finest ingredients and crafted using time-tested Old World techniques. Unlike other chocolatiers who rely on machines for mass production, most Belgian chocolatiers make their chocolates by hand, using traditional equipment. Small chocolate shops and factories are popular tourist attractions in Belgium, often featuring activities like chocolate-tasting.

The Art of Couverture

One of the techniques employed by Belgian chocolatiers is the use of a special kind of chocolate called couverture as the cold shell for pralines. The couverture allows pralines to be filled with a wide variety of creams and flavored nougats like hazelnut, coffee, fruit, mint, or more chocolate. A specialized heating process ensures that the couverture and its filling retain their aroma and flavor. Many chocolate companies like Godiva and Leonidas are famous worldwide for their gourmet pralines.

The Cost of Quality

Although handcrafted chocolates might be more expensive than the usual chocolate bar you can grab at the supermarket, anyone who has ever tried them will attest that a mass-produced chocolate bar pales in comparison to a genuine handmade praline. Handcrafted chocolates are gastronomic delights that live up to their high reputation. Give the special person in your life nothing but the best in European gourmet chocolate along with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Interesting Stats

  • Belgium produces over 220,000 tons of chocolate annually, with more than 2,000 chocolate shops across the country (source).
  • The average Belgian consumes about 6 kg of chocolate per year, making Belgium one of the highest chocolate-consuming countries in the world (source).
  • The Belgian chocolate industry employs around 7,000 people, contributing significantly to the country's economy (source).

Conclusion

Handcrafted Belgian chocolates and fresh flowers make an unparalleled gift combination. The meticulous craftsmanship and superior quality of Belgian chocolates elevate them above mass-produced varieties, making them the perfect complement to a bouquet of flowers. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply expressing your love, nothing says it better than this exquisite pairing.