Valentine’s Day is approaching, and Taza Chocolate is offering a distinctive selection of gifts for chocolate lovers. Based in Somerville, Massachusetts, Taza is celebrated for its Mexican-style, stone-ground chocolate discs that feature a unique, gritty texture. The company has developed two special sampler packs for this romantic holiday, providing an opportunity to indulge or share a heartfelt treat.
The Love You More Sampler contains four discs, each weighing just over 1.33 ounces. Among these are three varieties of 50 percent dark chocolate: one infused with guajillo chile, which adds a gentle sweetness and warmth; another blended with aromatic cinnamon; and a third featuring fragrant vanilla beans. The fourth disc, known as Cacao Puro, is a 70 percent dark chocolate that delivers a rich, bittersweet cocoa flavor. This sampler retails for $15.
For those seeking a more extensive selection, Taza offers the Hearts on Fire Sampler, which includes eight different discs. This collection features a disc blended with coffee beans, another sprinkled with sea salt, and one incorporating freshly roasted almonds ground directly into the chocolate. Additionally, there is an intense 85 percent dark chocolate disc for enthusiasts who favor a deeper cocoa experience. The price for this sampler is $28.
Founded in 2005 by Alex Whitmore and his wife, Kathleen Fulton, Taza Chocolate draws inspiration from the stone-ground chocolate that Whitmore discovered during his travels in Oaxaca, Mexico. The company emphasizes sustainability by sourcing organic cacao beans directly from farmers and uses traditional stone mills, known as molinos, to grind the beans. This method not only preserves the bold flavors but also pays homage to ancient Aztec and Mayan chocolate-making traditions, resulting in a rustic, handcrafted product.
Taza Chocolate products can be purchased at various locations, including Brookline Booksmith located at 279 Harvard St., Brookline; Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe at 6 Brattle St., Cambridge; and Pemberton Farms Marketplace at 2225 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. Customers can also shop online at tazachocolate.com.
As Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2024 approaches, Taza Chocolate provides a thoughtful and flavorful option for those looking to express affection through unique and high-quality chocolate gifts.
