Hot Chocolate

What is Hot Chocolate?

The process through which hot chocolate is made starts with cacao pod harvesting which is primarily done in tropical regions. Sweet, soft pulp surrounds cacao beans that are found inside these pods.

Once harvested, the beans are confined in shallow containers and covered in order to undergo fermentation. This is to let natural yeast work on the sugars that are present in the pulp to develop the flavour of the beans further.

After fermentation, the next stage is drying, and these beans are either dried under the sun or in traditional curing ovens. This stage is very important because it reduces the moisture content in the beans in readiness for the next step of roasting.

Roasting is where the magic happens. It is during this stage that complex aromatic flavour associated with chocolate is created. The beans are then put in machines to be cracked. The outer cover is separated by winnowing, and the inner core contains the nibs. Cocoa nibs are crushed to make cocoa mass, pure chocolate.

The cocoa mass used to make cocoa powder which is important for reproducibly obtaining hot cocoa is pressed to extract cocoa butter. The left over dry cake is ground into fine powder. So this cocoa powder is then carefully mixed with sugar, milk or cream to attain the rich creamy consistency which is enjoyed in hot chocolate.

Ranging from the consideration of the raw beans to the thinking about what blending ingredients, every touch has the culture and the craft of making up a beverage that has remained loved by all across the globe.

History of Hot Chocolate

A rich history accompanies hot chocolate as it can be traced back to ancient civilisations. Among the earliest known ‘Mesoamericans’ (Olmecs) civilisation, scholars tend to date its emergence to about 1500 B.C.

It was, however, the Aztec and Mayan civilisations that began to embrace and worship chocolate although it wasn’t in the same form that is commonly known today. These societies made a drinkable mixture but totally bitter from cacao beans and in most cases added chilli pepper and taken as a cold drink for medicinal or ceremonial purposes.

When the Spanish arrived in the Americas in the 16th century they encountered the drink and later returned to Europe with it though they altered it. With passage of time, sugar was incorporated to tone down the bitterness of the drink and it was heated up this becoming the hot chocolate everyone knows today.

Hot, as it is referred to, also began its full blaze across Europe and became a hot drink enjoyed by the upper class. As it started in ancient Mesoamerica and carved out its new place in Europe, it quickly became and still remains one of the most enjoyed beverages all over the world and although many drink it for pure pleasure, it still bears many secrets, culture and history.

Our Cocoa Sourcing from Ecuador and Uganda

At the heart of our exquisite nine hot chocolate selection is our commitment to using only the finest cocoa beans sourced from Ecuador and Uganda. These two regions are renowned for their rich history of cocoa cultivation and their unique contributions to the global chocolate industry.

Ecuador, recognised as one of the top producers of fine-flavour cocoa, has a rich tradition of cocoa cultivation dating back to ancient cultures. Located in the prime cocoa-growing belt, Ecuadorian cocoa beans, particularly the Arriba Nacional variety, are celebrated for their fruity, floral flavours, offering a complex taste profile that enhances the richness of our classic hot chocolates.

Uganda, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant and robust cocoa beans, which are cultivated in the fertile lands surrounding Lake Victoria. Ugandan beans provide a deep, bold flavour with notes of naturally earthy and nutty undertones. The Ugandan cocoa production resurgence adds character to our bolder offerings, providing a distinctive flavour experience that stands out in every cup you enjoy.

Our careful selection of beans from these regions ensures that each sip of our hot chocolate not only delivers a luxurious taste, but also embodies the traditions and craftsmanship of Ecuadorian and Ugandan cocoa farming.

Through their combined histories and superior quality, these beans elevate our hot chocolate to unparalleled heights, making every cup a journey into the world’s finest cocoa landscapes.

Our Amazing Selection of Flavoured Hot Chocolate

Indulge in our luxurious assortment of flavours, each crafted to satisfy diverse palates and preferences. From classic flavours to exotic blends, every cup promises an exquisite sensory journey.

1. Classic
   Experience the quintessential rich and creamy texture that defines our classic hot chocolate. Relish the velvety smoothness and genuine chocolate flavour that serves as the perfect foundation for any chocolate enthusiast.
2. Dark
   For those who prefer a bolder and more intense chocolate experience, our dark hot chocolate offers rich, deep cocoa notes with a touch of bitterness, delivering a powerful indulgence in every sip.
3. White
   A delightful, sweet alternative to traditional cocoa, our white hot chocolate boasts a smooth and creamy profile with hints of vanilla that melt effortlessly on the palate.
4. Mint
   Refresh and invigorate your senses with our mint hot chocolate, where the cooling aroma of fresh mint entwines with rich cocoa, providing a refreshing and satisfying experience.
5. Hazelnut
   Elevate your hot chocolate to new heights with our hazelnut variety, where the distinct nutty flavour blends harmoniously with the velvety smoothness of chocolate, creating a luxurious and indulgent treat.
6. Orange and Cinnamon
   Discover a delightful blend of citrus and spice with our orange and cinnamon hot chocolate. The tangy notes of orange perfectly balance the warm, comforting flavours of cinnamon, creating a harmonious and unique taste experience.
7. Caramel
   Indulge in the sweet and buttery essence of caramel with our decadent caramel hot chocolate, where rich cocoa is infused with creamy caramel undertones to deliver a smooth and indulgent treat.

8. Strawberry
   Delight in the fruity charm of our strawberry hot chocolate, where luscious strawberry flavors meld seamlessly with our smooth cocoa base, offering a refreshing and sweet balance that tantalises the taste buds.

9. Coconut
   Satisfy your tropical cravings with our coconut hot chocolate, where luscious coconut flavours blend seamlessly with the rich and creamy texture of chocolate to create a deliciously unique flavour profile. Crafted with real coconut flakes, this indulgent beverage offers a delightful balance of sweetness and aromatic richness, transporting your senses to a tropical paradise with each sip.

We take pride in offering a diverse selection of high-quality, ethically-sourced ingredients that elevate our products to unparalleled levels of excellence.

With our exquisite nine hot chocolate flavours crafted from the finest cocoa beans, we invite you to embark on a journey into the world of ultimate indulgence and sensory delight. Explore our delicious range today and discover your new favourite.

Is Hot Chocolate Good for You?

Hot chocolate is not only a comforting and delicious treat but also offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation. The primary ingredient in hot chocolate, cocoa, is rich in flavonoids, which are natural compounds known for their antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and support heart health.

Benefits of Hot Chocolate

• Improves Heart Health: The flavonoids in cocoa can help lower bad cholesterol and improve blood vessel function, thereby supporting cardiovascular health.
• Boosts Mood: Hot chocolate contains serotonin and endorphins, which are known to enhance mood and provide a sense of well-being.
• Supports Brain Function: The flavonoids in cocoa help increase blood flow to the brain, potentially improving cognitive function and memory.
• Enhances Skin Health: Rich in antioxidants, hot chocolate can contribute to better skin hydration and reduced oxidative stress, helping maintain a youthful appearance.
• Provides Essential Nutrients: Cocoa contains vital minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are crucial for overall health and well-being.

Consuming hot chocolate with minimal added sugars and made from high-quality cocoa ensures you enjoy these health benefits while indulging in a delicious beverage.

Is there Caffeine in Hot Chocolate?

Yes, hot chocolate does contain caffeine, but typically in much lower amounts compared to coffee or tea. Caffeine is naturally present in cocoa beans, the primary ingredient in hot chocolate.

On average, a cup of hot chocolate can contain about five to ten milligrams of caffeine, depending on the brand and the concentration of cocoa used. This makes it an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy a warm, beverage with a milder caffeine boost.

Our cocoa blends are crafted using the finest beans, ensuring an indulgent experience with each sip while maintaining moderate caffeine levels. We cater to diverse tastes by providing both classic and flavoured hot chocolates, each carefully curated for optimal flavour and enjoyment.

For individuals who are particularly sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it altogether, our white hot chocolate is an excellent alternative, as it is made from cocoa butter and contains negligible amounts of caffeine.

We invite you to explore our expansive range of hot chocolate options, designed to offer both pleasure and comfort without the high caffeine content of other caffeinated beverages. Whether you’re seeking a moment of relaxation or a tasteful indulgence, our offerings strike the perfect balance to meet your desires.

Conclusion

At The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we understand the importance of both quality and variety when it comes to indulging in hot chocolate. That’s why we take great care in selecting the finest ingredients from across the globe to create our exquisite range of flavours.

With a perfect balance of taste and health benefits, our hot chocolates are a treat for both your taste buds and your well-being. So go ahead, explore our range today, and discover your new favourite flavor!

So whether you’re craving a classic cup of rich and creamy cocoa or looking to try something new with our exotic flavours, we have something for everyone.