http://www.monkeychocolate.com/chocolates/european-chocolates/french-chocolates/ French chocolates are taken seriously by the French- French chocolates set standards for other producers. en-us Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 French chocolates- still ahead of the pack French chocolates are simply some of best chocolates that money can buy. The French continue to produce the most sought after of all the European chocolates. In fact, the French government strictly legislates chocolate production to ensure that the renowned quality is never compromised. All French chocolates must contain at least 43% cocoa liquor and a minimum of 26% pure cocoa butter. Of course, most French chocolates contain well above 43% of the thick, intense cocoa liquor. The best bonbons contain up to 80% liquor! Chocolatiers in France are very diligent about maintaining the reputation that French chocolate enjoys. Right now in France there is growing concern over the new Common Market regulations which would authorize the use of vegetable fat in chocolate, a practice which is currently illegal in France. The fear is that the quality of French chocolates as well as those from all other parts of Europe will go down considerably. Most French chocolates are made from a blend of four different cocoa beans that are picked out according to how well their unique flavors and intensities marry with one another. The French have paid so much attention to this part of the process that they have started a trend in chocolate production in general towards labeling chocolate by origin of the predominant bean used in that particular chocolate. When it comes to many aspects of the whole process of chocolate production, the French are unequaled by their peers. They maintain such high standards that even Belgian chocolates struggle to contend. Each of the top producers of chocolates have their own special methods that make their products unique and distinct, but the quality of the ingredients and the production methods always keep French chocolates on top. When the mood strikes you for some fine chocolate European chocolates in general are the ones that most people choose. Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT