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'We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are’, including our backgrounds, preferences, characters etc.

Tasting is not the same as eating. It’s all about focusing and paying attention. So, tune your senses!

Human responses to properties of foods and materials are perceived through the five senses (Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, Touch). Sensory evaluation is perception.


There is no right and no wrong.

Enhancing the common ground will help to have a meaningful discussion. Subjective differences will make this discussion interesting!

Use your five senses, become a passionate chocolate taster, discover how to describe chocolate and share your experiences.

Step 1 - LOOK

By LOOKING at the appearance of the chocolate we pay attention to color, the intensity (strong or weak) and the hue (shade of red/mahogany, yellow, grey, violet…)

  • Put the chocolate on a well lit white paper or tablecloth to look at its appearance.

Step 2 - TOUCH

By TOUCHING the chocolate you pay attention to how it feels in your hand. Feel for the finger-sensitivity (soft or hard), melt-in-hand (slow or fast) and the hardness. This is just before breaking the chocolate you feel for his resistance (bends or breaks).

  • Close your eyes to concentrate!

  • Rub the chocolate between both fingers to assess its finger-sensitivity.

  • Press between your fingers for the melting rate.

  • Bend the chocolate to feel the resistance, and thus hardness.

Step 3 - LISTEN

When it breaks you LISTEN to the sound or snap (clear or dull).

  • With your eyes still closed, bring the chocolate close to your ear and snap it.

Step 4 - SMELL

By SMELLING the chocolate you can discover the bouquet of aromatic notes and the complexity (low, medium or high) & also the intensity (strong or weak) of it.

  • Take the chocolate in one hand and rub the chocolate.

  • Bring it to your nose and cup.

  • Then sniff three times.

  • In-between chocolates, smell your own body perfume to neutralize the nose.

Step 5 - TASTE

When TASTING you will discover the basic notes, aromatic notes & mouthfeel of the chocolate.

  • Pinch your nose: bite and let melt, discover the basic tastes.

  • Release your nose and take a deep breath: focus on the aromatic notes.

  • Move the chocolate against your palate, chew: explore the mouthfeel.

  • In-between chocolates, drink water to neutralize your palate.

CHOCOLATE SENSORY WHEEL FOR CHOCOLATE TASTING

Mission Heights Chocolates: Handcrafted San Diego Chocolatier

 

Mission Heights Chocolates is a premier family-owned chocolatier in San Diego. We specialize in creating artisan, handcrafted chocolates and gourmet truffles using the finest ingredients. Our mission is to provide an exceptional experience, as reflected in our customer reviews.

 

Key Customer Highlights from Yelp Reviews

 

Our customers often share their experiences, helping to highlight what makes us a San Diego favorite. We've compiled some key themes from their feedback:

  • Unique and delicious flavor combinations that are "a work of art."

  • Mentioned as a "go-to" for special gifts due to beautiful packaging and friendly service.

  • Described as a "hidden gem in San Diego."

  • Specific product mentions like the "life-changing espresso ganache" and popular seasonal flavors.

 

Our Commitment to Quality and Craftsmanship

 

We believe that exceptional chocolates begin with exceptional ingredients.

  • Premium Ingredients: We use high-quality Callebaut Belgian chocolate, which is ethically sourced and Fair Trade compliant.

  • Expertise: Our founder, Dan, brings extensive experience from the California Culinary Academy and the Ritz Carlton, ensuring every piece is meticulously crafted.

  • Products: Our core offerings include a wide variety of handcrafted truffles, rich ganache, and unique artisanal chocolates.

 

Visit Our San Diego Chocolate Shop

 

Located on Midway Drive, Mission Heights Chocolates is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true artisan chocolate experience. We are proud to be a part of the local community, providing delicious treats for every occasion.

  • Location: Midway Drive, San Diego, CA

  • Specialties: Handcrafted truffles, artisan chocolates, gourmet gifts

Mission Heights Chocolates: Handcrafted San Diego Chocolatier

 

Mission Heights Chocolates is a premier family-owned chocolatier in San Diego. We specialize in creating artisan, handcrafted chocolates and gourmet truffles using the finest ingredients. Our mission is to provide an exceptional experience, as reflected in our customer reviews.

 

Key Customer Highlights from Yelp Reviews

 

Our customers often share their experiences, helping to highlight what makes us a San Diego favorite. We've compiled some key themes from their feedback:

  • Unique and delicious flavor combinations that are "a work of art."

  • Mentioned as a "go-to" for special gifts due to beautiful packaging and friendly service.

  • Described as a "hidden gem in San Diego."

  • Specific product mentions like the "life-changing espresso ganache" and popular seasonal flavors.

 

Our Commitment to Quality and Craftsmanship

 

We believe that exceptional chocolates begin with exceptional ingredients.

  • Premium Ingredients: We use high-quality Callebaut Belgian chocolate, which is ethically sourced and Fair Trade compliant.

  • Expertise: Our founder, Dan, brings extensive experience from the California Culinary Academy and the Ritz Carlton, ensuring every piece is meticulously crafted.

  • Products: Our core offerings include a wide variety of handcrafted truffles, rich ganache, and unique artisanal chocolates.

 

Visit Our San Diego Chocolate Shop

 

Located on Midway Drive, Mission Heights Chocolates is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true artisan chocolate experience. We are proud to be a part of the local community, providing delicious treats for every occasion.

  • Location: Midway Drive, San Diego, CA

  • Specialties: Handcrafted truffles, artisan chocolates, gourmet gifts

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San Diegos best chocolate shop

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