Caputo’s Chocolate Tasting

Salt Lake City, Utah

One of the most fun activities we did when I attended the Women in Travel Summit was a chocolate tasting at the famous Caputo’s Market. It was so fun and we had a great time laughing, learning, and tasting! Let me tell you all about my Caputo’s chocolate tasting.

Caputo’s Market

Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, Caputo’s Market stands as a culinary haven, captivating locals and visitors alike with its dedication to the art of fine foods. Caputo’s Market has become a cherished institution in the city’s vibrant food scene. From its humble beginnings, this family-owned market has evolved into a food oasis. They have everything a foodie could desire, including artisanal cheeses, handcrafted chocolates, imported olive oils, and an impressive selection of fine wines and spirits.

Chocolate Tasting

This is their most popular tasting class. Learn what makes one chocolate “fine” and the other just “standard.” Find out how to identify flavors, get familiarized with great chocolate makers, and learn other priceless bits of chocolate know-how.

Dark chocolate was invented in the 60/s but it was gross. It took about 25 years perfect it. It was actually only in the 90’s that it really took off. We couldn’t wait to learn more about how to tell what makes chocolate “good,” Isn’t all chocolate good? Nope…and I may never look at (or taste) chocolate the same way.

We first learned about where chocolate came from and what was is the process of getting it from bean to bar.

Learn to taste like a pro.

Here is the secret to being a chocolate taster: The key is to go from the top of your head and work your way down. What does that mean?

Eyes: Assess the sheen

Nose: Smell it

Mouth: Take a bite with your front teeth. You should hear a snap. Chew it because that makes it break down more. Then run it around your mouth. Finally, breathe out through your nose.

Ok, ok…Time to Taste!

SOLSTICE MADAGASCAR, SAMBIRANO 70%

TASTING: fruity, red berries, tangy, bright, citrus

SOLSTICE BOLIVIA, TRANQUILIDAD 70%

TASTING: rich chocolate, honey, cream, molasses

FRANCOIS PRALUS PAPOUASIE 75% CHOCOLATE BAR

Musty, earthy aromas pair with the consuming scent of allspice.

GOODNOW FARMS ESMERALDAS, ECUADOR 70%

TASTING: low acidity, no astringency, berry jam, long-lasting finish

QANTU CHOCOLATE GOAT MILK, DREAMS OF CASHMERE 55%

Canadian goat milk provides an elegance that beautifully envelops the aromas of cacao, all in a barely sweet bite.

NAIVE FORAGER COLLECTION PORCINI DARK MILK CHOCOLATE 62%

TASTING: earthy umami, porcini, savory, balanced, fudgy, rich

JCOCO CAYENNE VERACRUZ ORANGE WHITE CHOCOLATE 30%

**This one was my favorite!

Drawing inspiration from a refreshing local delicacy in the Yucatan Peninsula, favored on hot days – a fresh sliced orange with a light dusting of chili powder. This bar leads with a citrusy nose, melts into a creamy sensation, and finishes with a kick of red pepper that lingers.

CAPUTO’S WILD TRANQUILIDAD 75% BAR BY RITUAL CHOCOLATE

TASTING: citrus, spice, dried fruits, tobacco, resin, wood, cocoa

We also got to taste one last, memorably-named chocolate…

FOSSA DUCK SHIT DANCONG TEA MILK CHOCOLATE

TASTING: yerba mate, longan, floral, malt

Time to Shop!

You can’t go to Caputo’s without doing a little shopping. Good luck deciding what to buy because it all looks amazing. First, take a look at their cheese cave. Wouldn’t you love to get trapped in there?