Inspiration for this chocolate

One of our most unusual flavours on our  filled chocolates menu is the wholegrain mustard chocolate (named “Meaux”), which has won a Great Taste award in August 2014. In this post, we ask Russell (our head chocolatier) a few questions on this chocolate:

What triggered the idea of using wholegrain mustard in your chocolate in the first place?

The idea came about when I did a Sunday roast one day. I often add some wholegrain mustard when I make the gravy, as it gives a sweeter flavour to the sauce. So I started experimenting with adding the mustard into the chocolate ganache.

Why do you think wholegrain mustard works with the chocolate?

Wholegrain Mustard is both acidic and sweet. The acidity contrasts with the bitter chocolate flavour and the sweetness enhances the chocolate flavour, The wholegrain mustard flavour is subtle, and complements the chocolate resulting in a chocolate with a hint of wholegrain mustard enabling you to enjoy both the chocolate flavour and the wholegrain mustard. 

What is the general reaction to your wholegrain mustard chocolate?

It’s been interesting to see people’s first reaction to this. For many people, they are quite skeptical at first as they expect a whole spoonful of wholegrain mustard encased in the chocolate shell. However, they are pleasantly surprised when they try the chocolate. After the first bite, usually you see from their eyes that they are searching for that distinct mustard flavour within the chocolate. Then, as the flavour develops in the mouth, the sweetness of the wholegrain mustard comes through, and then they say “Ah-ha, I can taste it now!”. It ends with a warm tinkling sensation from the mustard mixed with the finishing note of the chocolate.