Image from The Chocolate Professor.
Chocolate lovers around the world are familiar with dark, milk, and white chocolate, but a new player has entered the scene: ruby chocolate. Introduced by Swiss chocolatier Barry Callebaut in 2017, ruby chocolate is hailed as the most significant innovation in the chocolate industry since the introduction of white chocolate in the 1930s.
With its vibrant pink hue and distinct fruity flavour, ruby chocolate offers a new, exciting experience for chocolate enthusiasts.
Our Lipem Chocolate range is all about crafting fine chocolates with unique flavours, and that is why like you, we are also fascinated by the ruby chocolate. But what exactly makes ruby chocolate so special, and how does it compare to traditional chocolate types?
What is Ruby Chocolate? And why is it pink?
Ruby chocolate, known as the “Fourth chocolate,” is made from specially selected ruby cocoa beans. These beans, found in regions like Ecuador, Brazil, and the Ivory Coast, undergo a specific processing method developed over years of research by Barry Callebaut.
Unlike dark, milk, and white chocolate, ruby chocolate has a natural pink hue and offers a unique flavour profile that’s unlike any of its predecessors.
Barry Callebaut keeps the exact process behind ruby chocolate under wraps, but it’s known that the beans are only lightly fermented—this is key to preserving their red pigments.
The beans are then processed to highlight their natural berry-like notes and acidity.
The result? A chocolate that combines the smooth texture of milk chocolate with the fruity tang of red berries.
A Taste Like No Other.
Ruby chocolate is not your typical sweet treat. Its taste can be described as a fusion of fruity and tangy flavours, with notes of red berries and a creamy texture that melts effortlessly on the tongue.
It’s not bitter like dark chocolate, nor is it overly sweet like white chocolate. Instead, ruby chocolate offers a balanced, smooth experience that appeals to those who enjoy a hint of acidity in their confections – just like out Lipem lemon orange pralines.
How Ruby Chocolate is Made
While ruby chocolate starts with the same cocoa beans used to make dark, milk, and white chocolates, it’s the unique processing of these beans that gives ruby chocolate its pink colour and fruity flavour.
The cocoa beans are lightly fermented, which preserves the natural pigments and the high levels of pigmented polyphenols responsible for the ruby hue. The beans are then treated with acid to maintain the vibrant colour during the chocolate-making process.
This special process distinguishes ruby chocolate from white chocolate, which lacks cocoa solids and is made primarily with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk.
Ruby chocolate, however, contains around 47% cocoa solids, which brings it closer to milk chocolate in composition, while still retaining a smoother texture and the distinctive pink colour.
Why Ruby Chocolate is Perfect for Baking and Pairing
Ruby chocolate’s unique colour and taste have made it a star in both culinary creations and Instagram feeds alike. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from ganache and truffles to cookies and blondies.
In fact, some chefs have taken ruby chocolate to the next level by pairing it with unexpected ingredients like rosemary or even caviar. The possibilities for creativity are endless.
However, it’s important to note that ruby chocolate can lose its pink colour when melted, taking on a greyish tone if not handled properly during baking.
Nutritional Benefits of Ruby Chocolate
Although there is limited research on the nutritional benefits of ruby chocolate compared to dark chocolate, it is still derived from cocoa beans, which are known for their flavanol content.
Flavanols are antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and fight cellular damage. While dark chocolate remains the best choice for maximising health benefits, ruby chocolate offers a delicious, antioxidant-packed option with a unique flavour profile.
Conclusion
At Agrobio Int, we’re passionate about creating real VIP chocolate experiences. Though we do not make ruby chocolate, we do admit it is a testament to the evolving nature of fine chocolate making.
For more on the world of premium chocolates, be sure to check out our Lipem chocolate collection.