Craving a chocolate adventure? Today we are right in front of the Belgian Chocolate Village. This museum showcases the knowledge, history and culture related to chocolate.
Brussels is known for its delicious chocolate. The Belgian Chocolate Village offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Belgian chocolate. You can also see how it is made. The Belgian Chocolate Village is more than just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is also a cultural hub.
Inside the Belgian Chocolate Village the tour layout unveils the various stages of chocolate making. It shows its uses history benefits economy and diversity. It is a genuine ode to the senses. The indoor tropical greenhouse reproduces cocoa tree growing conditions. You’ll also see banana trees and various spices.
The chocolate workshop lets you observe artisan chocolate makers at work. They also host a variety of special workshops. You need to book those in advance. The tour also features magnificent chocolate sculptures. You can see famous Brussels monuments there. These include the Atomium Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Cinquantenaire. A video explains how these masterpieces were created by internationally-renowned chocolate artists.
Belgian chocolate is an ethereal experience. It is a sensory journey that tantalises the taste buds. It transports you to a world of pure indulgence. Cacao first reached Belgium in 1635 marking a pivotal moment in Belgian chocolate history. The abbot of Baudeloo Abbey in Ghent made his initial purchase of chocolate. King Leopold II’s discovery of a large surplus of cocoa beans in the Congo helped establish Belgium’s prominent position in the world of chocolates.
Jean Neuhaus opened a pharmacy in Brussels in 1857. He began coating his medicines in chocolate to make them more palatable. His grandson later invented the praline. This filled chocolate bonbon revolutionised the industry. Pierre Draps once said Chocolate is not just a food it’s an art form.
Belgium boasts a rich history of pioneering chocolatiers. Neuhaus invented the praline in 1912. These delicacies are filled with various creams nuts or fruit flavours. Belgium also celebrates National Chocolate Week each year. This is a tribute to its rich cocoa heritage.
Much like wine the origin of cocoa beans significantly influences the final product. The process of making Belgian chocolate begins with cocoa beans. These are sourced from around the world. The beans are roasted ground and refined. The roasting process can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. This depends on the desired flavour profile. Once roasted the beans are ground into a smooth paste called chocolate liquor.
Next the chocolate liquor is combined with sugar and milk. This creates a velvety texture. This process is known as conching. Conching can take up to 72 hours. Finally the liquid chocolate is tempered. Tempering involves carefully heating and cooling the chocolate. This step is crucial for achieving the signature snap and sheen of Belgian chocolate.
The Belgian Chocolate Village invites you to wind up your gourmet tour with a visit to the shop. You can also visit the tasting rooms and chocolate bar on the upper floor. So why not treat yourself to a visit to the Belgian Chocolate Village?