Name: Explorer Club #208: CITRUS
Brand: Milou Chocolate Co.
SKU: EX-CITRUS
Price: 31.95 CAD
Availability: InStock

Explorer Club #208: CITRUS

The large citrus fruits of today evolved from small berries that began to diverge from a common ancestor about 15 million years ago. Originating in present-day northern India, southwestern China, and Malaysia, these prized fruits traveled with merchants along the Silk Road, eventually reaching the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Over time, they have had numerous historical and cultural implications. They aided global conquests by helping sailors avoid scurvy on long sea voyages, reinforced the social status of wealthy classes as a luxury item for the powerful, and became integral to celebrations like Chinese New Year, where, since the Qing Dynasty, they have been exchanged to symbolize good luck, wealth, and prosperity. We wanted to focus on citrus because its vibrant acidity and zesty brightness provide a refreshing contrast to the deep, complex flavours of chocolate, creating a balanced tasting experience.

$31.95

$35.50

Explorer Club #208: CITRUS

$31.95

$35.50

MAROU MEKONG KUMQUAT TIEN GIANG 68%

Producer Country: Vietnam
Cocoa: Direct Source, Made at Origin
Weight: 80 g

Kumquat is a small citrus fruit most commonly compared to an orange, though it's just the size of a large grape or olive. Often eaten whole, they are simultaneously sweet and pulpy, yet sour and acidic. To my palate, the flavour definitely resembles an orange, albeit enhanced by rose water aromatics, gooseberry/grapefruit acidity, and peach fuzz tartness. In a perfect example of "things growing together, going together," Marou combines dried kumquat from the orchards of Tien Giang with cacao from the same province. The result is a brilliant pairing. Fragrant, floral notes of citrus marmalade are balanced by the fruity yet more bitter and earthy chocolate. It is simply delightful, lovely stuff!

THEO & PHILO DARK CHOCOLATE W/ CALAMANSI 65%

Producer Country: Philippines
Cocoa: Direct Source, Made at Origin
Weight: 45 g

A bar as colourful as its packaging, each bite captures the vibrancy of the Philippines. What I love most about it is the contrasts: the zesty, sour essence of calamansi fruit with rich, robust chocolate; the chewy dried and candied citrus rinds with the velvety, buttery melt. "Refreshing" is not a word one typically uses to describe a chocolate bar, but this one is truly invigorating, like a tangy lime-infused cocktail rimmed with chocolate shavings, beckoning to be savoured chilled on a hot day.

FOSSA YUZU SEA SALT DARK MILK 54%

Producer Country: Singapore
Cocoa: Direct Source
Weight: 50 g

Yuzu is an incredibly aromatic citrus fruit that originated in East Asia, where it has a variety of popular culinary uses, especially in Japan. Here, dehydrated yuzu peel and sea salt flakes have been sprinkled on the back of a 54% Tanzanian dark milk bar. While there are occasional pops of sweet, chewy citrus and lip-smacking saltiness, this should really be viewed first and foremost as a great milk chocolate and perfect accompaniment to a black tea with lemon. Like all Fossa bars, it's a decadent treat.