Artisan Chocolates with a Heart: Hiraya, Pinoy from Bean to Bar!
When was the last time you had an honest-to-goodness real chocolatey experience? Mine was earlier this year when I visited my Spanish grandfather (well technically, the cousin of) in Makati. He had their househelp serve us a thick and warm cup of chocolate paired with ensaimada. Gosh, it was the best chocolate I've ever tasted.
The word "BEST" came to my mind as soon as a piece of Hiraya chocolate hit my tastebuds.
Last September 9, 2017 at Roots Katipunan, Bloggers Philippines group was introduced to Hiraya Filipino Bean-to-Bar Chocolates!
Since I am a huge chocolate addict, I cherished this occasion (and more so the chocolate bars that they generously have us sample). I love how yummy chocolate is, and the fact that it has a host of health benefits!
During this event, we learned about the background of the company, the products, and they also taught us how to appreciate chocolate using the 5 senses- sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste.
How to Use our 5 Senses to Taste Chocolates:
1. Sight - check the condition of the surface of the chocolate, it should be shiny.
2. Smell - the chocolate should smell rich and full.
3. Hearing - make sure the chocolate is stored in ideal conditions, break the chocolate in half, and you should be able to hear a clear and sharp snapping sound, the edges should also break cleanly.
4. Touch - the chocolate should also start melting in your hand because the fat content of chocolate (cocoa butter) melts at our body temperature.
5. Taste - pinch your nose first to trap the aromatics. Place a piece of chocolate in your mouth, let it melt and swirl it on all areas of your tongue and mouth (front, back, center, top, bottom and around the tongue) so that all areas of your mouth will be able to pick up the different flavors. Un-pinch your nose, and inhale deeply to let the aromatics hit your olfactory nerves, and note any flavors that remind you of. And finally taste the chocolate and again, note any flavors that you may find. (Flavors are usually floral aromatic, bitter, nutty, or fruity.)
The brand name comes from the ancient Filipino phrase "Hiraya Manawari" which can be loosely translated as a deep and sincere wish for the desires of your heart to be granted. The word Hiraya in itself means the "fruit of one's hopes, dreams, and aspirations."
Hiraya is a Filipino bean-to-bar chocolate company that makes single-origin chocolate bars and chocolate products from cacao beans sourced around the Philippines. They started in 2015.
Hiraya Artisan Chocolates, Inc. as a manufacturer, is Professional Chocolatier from Ecole Chocolat (Certified Chocolate Maker).
Hiraya is an advocate of sustainable, socially-conscious practices and fair trade principles. They take pride in having a direct relationship with their cacao farmers, to ensure that they earn more for their labor and to improve the quality of their lives.
Currently, their beans are sourced from Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao, but they are always on the lookout for quality beans across the Philippines.
Read more here:
They launched their newest variants. Aside from Hiraya X Kalsada 72% Dark Chocolate with Coffee Nibs Single Origin,72% Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Bar, 100% Pure Chocolate Bar, they now also offer the flavors Coconut, Chicharon and Queso de Bola!
1. Hiraya X Kalsada 72% Dark Chocolate with Coffee Nibs Single Origin
- With notes of dried cranberries, raisins and sweet red wine. Inspired by Benguet coffee producers and Davao cacao farmers.
2. 72% Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Bar
- Fruity with just a slight hint of bitterness.
3. 100% Pure Chocolate Bar
- For drinks and desserts. Can be mixed with milk or cream or as substitute for cocoa powder.
4. Hiraya Queso de Bola
- Queso de Bola is a staple in Christmas celebrations. An interesting combo of rich dark chocolate paired with salty and sharp Edam cheese.
5. Hiraya Chicharon
- The first of its kind. Spicy dark chocolate paired with salty and crunchy bits of pork rind.
6. Hiraya Coconut
- All parts of the Coconut tree can be used for a purpose hence it is called Tree of Life. This creamy, decadent chocolate bar has coconut milk and roasted coconut meat.
*The cacao beans are Trinitario.
Here are more details in the label.
Currently, all their chocolate bars are 70g at Php 200 per bar, except 72% Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Bar, which retails at Php 180 per 85g.
Hiraya will be appreciated by a REAL chocolate lover. It's not a watered down, or in this case, sugared down chocolate candy version. Hiraya chocolate has pure unadulterated chocolate goodness and you really taste the cacao.
There are Hiraya chocolate variants that are ideal for vegans, and they are perfect for those on a ketogenic diet.
Clockwise from Left: Hiraya X Kalsada 72% Dark Chocolate with Coffee Nibs Single Origin,72% Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Bar, Hiraya Chicharon, Hiraya Queso de Bola, Hiraya Coconut.
One can see that each of the chocolate looks different, there is a matte and shiny, there is a light and dark brown. But yeah, wouldn't you agree they look mouthwatering? They melt a few seconds upon contact with the warmth of my fingertips, the luscious darkness that they are.
My personal favorite Hiraya chocolate? Quese de Bola since I love cheese! Coconut comes in a close second.
Hiraya Artisan Chocolates is available online and in brick and mortar stores, including Foodsourceph, Shopinas, Marketa store, Bigbenta, Robinson's Galleria grocery, Roots Katipunan and soon in SM Kultura! Check them out in www.hirayachocolates.com/ or www.facebook.com/HirayaChocolates!
Chocolate has been considered by many as a luxury. Give in and indulge in the heavenly Hiraya Artisan Chocolates while helping uplift the livelihood of fellow Pinoys. Support local! Thanks for reading! :)
The word "BEST" came to my mind as soon as a piece of Hiraya chocolate hit my tastebuds.
Last September 9, 2017 at Roots Katipunan, Bloggers Philippines group was introduced to Hiraya Filipino Bean-to-Bar Chocolates!
Since I am a huge chocolate addict, I cherished this occasion (and more so the chocolate bars that they generously have us sample). I love how yummy chocolate is, and the fact that it has a host of health benefits!
Hiraya Artisan Chocolate Founder Arvin Peralta giving us a talk.
During this event, we learned about the background of the company, the products, and they also taught us how to appreciate chocolate using the 5 senses- sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste.
How to Use our 5 Senses to Taste Chocolates:
1. Sight - check the condition of the surface of the chocolate, it should be shiny.
2. Smell - the chocolate should smell rich and full.
3. Hearing - make sure the chocolate is stored in ideal conditions, break the chocolate in half, and you should be able to hear a clear and sharp snapping sound, the edges should also break cleanly.
4. Touch - the chocolate should also start melting in your hand because the fat content of chocolate (cocoa butter) melts at our body temperature.
5. Taste - pinch your nose first to trap the aromatics. Place a piece of chocolate in your mouth, let it melt and swirl it on all areas of your tongue and mouth (front, back, center, top, bottom and around the tongue) so that all areas of your mouth will be able to pick up the different flavors. Un-pinch your nose, and inhale deeply to let the aromatics hit your olfactory nerves, and note any flavors that remind you of. And finally taste the chocolate and again, note any flavors that you may find. (Flavors are usually floral aromatic, bitter, nutty, or fruity.)
HIRAYA CHOCOLATE ORIGINS
The brand name comes from the ancient Filipino phrase "Hiraya Manawari" which can be loosely translated as a deep and sincere wish for the desires of your heart to be granted. The word Hiraya in itself means the "fruit of one's hopes, dreams, and aspirations."
Hiraya is a Filipino bean-to-bar chocolate company that makes single-origin chocolate bars and chocolate products from cacao beans sourced around the Philippines. They started in 2015.
Hiraya Artisan Chocolates, Inc. as a manufacturer, is Professional Chocolatier from Ecole Chocolat (Certified Chocolate Maker).
HIRAYA CHOCOLATE COMMUNITY
Hiraya is an advocate of sustainable, socially-conscious practices and fair trade principles. They take pride in having a direct relationship with their cacao farmers, to ensure that they earn more for their labor and to improve the quality of their lives.
Currently, their beans are sourced from Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao, but they are always on the lookout for quality beans across the Philippines.
Read more here:
They launched their newest variants. Aside from Hiraya X Kalsada 72% Dark Chocolate with Coffee Nibs Single Origin,72% Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Bar, 100% Pure Chocolate Bar, they now also offer the flavors Coconut, Chicharon and Queso de Bola!
HIRAYA CHOCOLATE VARIANTS
1. Hiraya X Kalsada 72% Dark Chocolate with Coffee Nibs Single Origin
- With notes of dried cranberries, raisins and sweet red wine. Inspired by Benguet coffee producers and Davao cacao farmers.
2. 72% Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Bar
- Fruity with just a slight hint of bitterness.
3. 100% Pure Chocolate Bar
- For drinks and desserts. Can be mixed with milk or cream or as substitute for cocoa powder.
4. Hiraya Queso de Bola
- Queso de Bola is a staple in Christmas celebrations. An interesting combo of rich dark chocolate paired with salty and sharp Edam cheese.
5. Hiraya Chicharon
- The first of its kind. Spicy dark chocolate paired with salty and crunchy bits of pork rind.
6. Hiraya Coconut
- All parts of the Coconut tree can be used for a purpose hence it is called Tree of Life. This creamy, decadent chocolate bar has coconut milk and roasted coconut meat.
*The cacao beans are Trinitario.
Here are more details in the label.
L-R: Hiraya X Kalsada 72% Dark Chocolate with Coffee Nibs Single Origin,72% Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Bar, 100% Pure Chocolate Bar
Hiraya Queso de Bola, Hiraya Chicharon, Hiraya Coconut
HIRAYA CHOCOLATE PRICE
Currently, all their chocolate bars are 70g at Php 200 per bar, except 72% Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Bar, which retails at Php 180 per 85g.
EXQUISITE TASTE OF ARTISAN CHOCOLATE
Hiraya will be appreciated by a REAL chocolate lover. It's not a watered down, or in this case, sugared down chocolate candy version. Hiraya chocolate has pure unadulterated chocolate goodness and you really taste the cacao.
There are Hiraya chocolate variants that are ideal for vegans, and they are perfect for those on a ketogenic diet.
One can see that each of the chocolate looks different, there is a matte and shiny, there is a light and dark brown. But yeah, wouldn't you agree they look mouthwatering? They melt a few seconds upon contact with the warmth of my fingertips, the luscious darkness that they are.
My personal favorite Hiraya chocolate? Quese de Bola since I love cheese! Coconut comes in a close second.
Hiraya Artisan Chocolates is available online and in brick and mortar stores, including Foodsourceph, Shopinas, Marketa store, Bigbenta, Robinson's Galleria grocery, Roots Katipunan and soon in SM Kultura! Check them out in www.hirayachocolates.com/ or www.facebook.com/HirayaChocolates!
Chocolate has been considered by many as a luxury. Give in and indulge in the heavenly Hiraya Artisan Chocolates while helping uplift the livelihood of fellow Pinoys. Support local! Thanks for reading! :)
Comments
Post a Comment
Hello and welcome , friend! Thank you for visiting my blog! Please leave your lovely thoughts below! I would be glad to get back to you as soon as possible!