5 reasons to love Original Beans Chocolate
This amazing chocolate Valentine dessert was created by pastry chef extraordinaire Geoffrey Dextraze of Winnipeg using Esmeraldas 42% milk chocolate Original Beans couverture.
As I have recently been tasting a selection of the newer Original Beans Chocolate bars, it made me realize that I have never done a blog post on this–one of my favourite sustainable chocolate companies in the world, whose mottos are #OneBarOneTree and #TasteTheRareAndPreserveIt.
I love using Original Beans Chocolate for the custom wine and chocolate tasting events that I organize as they offer colour-coded individually wrapped tasting squares that take participants around the world through chocolate.
Original Beans is truly a global company based in Amsterdam, the number one cocoa port in the world. Original Beans Chocolate is made according to the company’s specifications by Felchlin Switzerland, as founder Philipp Kauffmann believes that Felchlin (based in Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland) has the best equipment to create his award-winning additive-free, organic, direct trade sustainable chocolate.
Original Beans Chocolate is made from cocoa beans that are sustainably grown in countries that include (or have included) Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Indonesia, Tanzania, and the DR of Congo.
Yes, I did cover Original Beans Chocolate in detail in volume I of “Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate” in the chapter on Holland, as the company is based in Amsterdam. And as well, I gave Original Beans two Chocolatour Awards (one for the Most Eco-friendly Chocolate Maker of Europe, and one for Purity and Originality in the Excellence in Chocolate Bars category.) But I have not yet included this amazing chocolate maker in a post on this blog. So let me introduce you to one of my favourite chocolate companies and share with you why I feel Original Beans makes some of the best chocolate in the world while being tops in ethics and fair business practices.
Philipp Kauffmann at the Original Beans cacao nursery in Virunga, Africa.
5 reasons to love original beans chocolate
- Everything they do is environmentally friendly. Original Beans founder and CEO Philipp Kauffmann is a 7th generation conservationist. He founded Original Beans to help protect the most beautiful rainforests of the world, as much of the finest cacao in the world is grown in rainforest regions of South America, the jungles of Africa and other ecologically delicate regions of our planet. This is sustainable chocolate in its truest form.
- Original Beans puts equal emphasis on creating great chocolate while educating chocolate lovers about the places their delicious chocolate comes from. Visit their website, and you will be transported to the jungles of many of the world’s most exotic cacao-growing countries, and you will develop a greater appreciation for the world of chocolate and cacao.
- Original Beans operates by the “One Bar One Tree” mantra focusing on sustainability, in which the sale of every chocolate bar provides the resources to plant a cacao seedling. Since its founding in 2008, this has facilitated the planting and preservation of more than 1.6 million cacao trees in the origins it works in.
- Some of the best chefs of the world use Original Beans couverture to make their own unique chocolate creations. Original Beans is currently working on getting approval for its new compostable packaging for its couverture and is proud that more than 70 craft chocolate makers now use Original Beans couverture to make their own unique chocolate. We used Original Beans couverture in the Chocolate and Wine Valentine Dinner we did at McNally Robinson’s Prairie Ink Bistro in Winnipeg and the attendees were so impressed that they could taste a difference in the chocolate behind each course.
- Original Beans packaging is a work of art and a source of information. On the front cover of each chocolate bar’s 100% bio-degradable packaging, you will find an original work of art designed for that specific varietal of bar as well as information about where the cacao was grown and the flavour notes contained in the chocolate.
I could go on, but I think this list gives you reason to seek out Original Beans Chocolate. It is available throughout Europe at select retail establishments and on the web via their online store. If you live in Canada or the US, you can order Original Beans Chocolate via the Bar and Cocoa subscription service.
If you have had the pleasure of tasting Original Beans Chocolate, please share your experience. Does it matter to you that the chocolate you are eating is made by a company that embraces the highest of ethical standards and fair businesses practices?
I attended an educational seminar online today, in which Original Beans founder and CEO Philipp Kauffmann shared the company’s Chocolate Footprint 2020 report. It was encouraging to learn that despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Original Beans is working hard to help cacao-growing families and communities and continues to pay their cocoa producers well above fair trade rates.
Had the opportunity to sample the “Original Beans 70 % with Nibs” while visiting with Doreen. It was very rich tasting and delicious. Just the right amount of crushed nibs in the bar made it unique. I usually prefer the milk chocolate because the darker is not as sweet but this was very good. Of course we ate the whole bar! Thanks for the treat Doreen.
Thanks so much for your comment, Debbie. I’m glad that you and gordie enjoyed the Original Beans bar. It is excellent. 🙂
Such a great article about Original Beans Chocolate. All chocolates are my favorite!
I love having dreams about chocolates. I can not help but think about eating chocolates all day. Hopefully i restrain myself from that. Still working on it though.Thank you so much.
Never deny yourself chocolate. Just limit how much you will eat at any one time. 🙂
How have we not heard of Original Beans Chocolate? I love the ethics of this company. The chocolate sounds delicious I’ll have to go and search for some today!
Let me know if you find some Original Beans in your area, Sue. And if not, you can always order online. You won’t be sorry! 🙂
I’ll watch for it when we get back to Europe! Such a beautiful creation you featured in your opening photo!!!
Hi Doreen, Sheesh! I found this blog notification in my spam mail. Glad I found it, because I see this is a blog about organic chocolate making, which I find truly impressive. You have done a fine job of educating your readers. I never eat any chocolate except organic chocolate!
Hi, Esther! I’m glad you retrieved my post from the Spam! Yes, Original Beans is organic, many of their bars are dairy free (i.e. vegan) and they are truly delish. I know they have a BC distributor, so hopefully, you will be able to find the bars in select locales. You might want to start with Xoxolat at 1271 Homer St. Let me know if you get there!
I’ve never before heard of Original Beans Chocolate. Thanks for putting it on my radar. I do always brake for chocolate, most recently a See’s cherry cordial from my stash.
HI, Carole! Nice to see you here. It’s great to try out different chocolate brands, especially the craft chocolate ones that make single origin bars that enable you to truly taste the flavour notes of the beans.
I’ve never tasted Original Beans chocolate but is sounds like an excellent product. I like the idea of wine and chocolate tasting. They go very well together (two of my weaknesses!) I think I should order some of this chocolate and taste it. Thanks for sharing this post, Doreen.
Hi Anda and thanks for your comment. Yes, wine and chocolate is a pairing that I adore. There is a fine wine that is a perfect pairing with every chocolate. You just have to know how to do it! Happy tasting …
I often wonder about the origins of food. You look at the Cocoa Beans, I always thought they were bitter tasting. I wonder how they decided to process them into something that is so good.
We have Spain to thank for that, William. The Spaniards were the first ones to take cocoa beans and transform it into what we know as contemporary chocolate. The indigenous cultures like the Mayans and the Aztecs grew cacao, traded the beans as currency, and made a hot thin drink from roasted beans blended with water, vanilla, and cinnamon. But it tasted nothing like the chocolate we know today. Thx for stopping by.
I’m embarrassed to say that though I live in the Netherlands, I’ve never tasted Original Beans chocolate. I will certainly remedy that next time I’m in town. We have one high quality chocolate place here in Groningen, so I’ll check if they have it. Otherwise, it’ll have to wait till next time I’m in Amsterdam.
Right on, Rachel! I hope you will find Original Beans Chocolate to your liking. Happy travels!
Original Beans sounds like a great company making some very special chocolates. I love their one bar one tree mantra!
Right on, Nathalie! I’m happy to share their story. There’s too many companies still pushing chocolate “candy.” I’m always happy when I find great quality chocolate that is made using the direct trade channel.
Never knew there was so much to learn about chocolate, and I have to confess I’d never heard of Original Beans brand, but you’ve convinced me to try it!
Hi Patti. My job is to get you to think outside the normal realm of chocolate. I am grateful that I am getting you to think outside that box.
Hi Doreen . I was lucky enough to try this fantastic chocolate this week. Once you taste Original Beans, you understand why it is so sought out by connoisseurs around the world. The taste was smooth and tinted with a hint of coffee bean. Delicious.
Thx so much for sharing your impression of Original Beans Chocolate, Janet. You tasted the 80% OB blend of South American & African beans. It is not for the faint of heart, but it gives you a good idea of the quality one will find in any Original Beans Chocolate bar.
There I just visited the Sacred Valley in Peru and I didn’t even notice that some chocolate originates from there. Yes, I saw some shops selling chocolate but I thought they were simply another way to get some tourist Dollars. It took your post to show me “Cusco Chuncho” – too late!
Thx for stopping by, Juergen. Yes, we can find great chocolate in just about any destination in the world, but we just have to know where to find it. I’m glad you have found this site. Hopefully it will help you on future visits to other destinations.
Original Beans sounds like a great company with an excellent product. I’ve not had any of their chocolate, but I would love to try it. I will be in Victoria later this winter and from their website it looks as if a couple of stores there carry it.
Super, Donna! If you do try Original Beans Chocolate, swing by and let me know what you thought of it. I really enjoyed the bars from Papau, Indonesia, and also the 55% bar from Virunga. Cheers!
Super to read your post about the Silk Road Tea shop in Victoria that is pairing Original Beans Chocolate with tea, Donna. Thx for that great post.
The introductory Image is like OMG… just give it to me and I will dig in 😉
And then when you introduce such a lovely company making delicious products to fulfill many cravings it becomes even more interesting read 🙂
I’m Loving it!
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Sushmita! Enthusiastic comments like yours really make my job worthwhile. 🙂
How wonderful that the company not only makes delicious chocolates but also is protective of the environment. I admire them for the planting and preservation of cacao trees. Great story.
Thx, Jeannette! Great hearing from you. Yes, when I hear about a terrific company like Original Beans Chocolate, I can’t help but spread the word. I wish we lived closer together so I could also share the chocolate! 🙂
Great to read about a company doing so much right in the world, Doreen, and making something utterly delicious!
Right on, Rose! It’s great to salute the champions of the world who are unselfishly doing something good.
Chocolate is the way to most people’s heart – that is for sure. Yummy article – makes me want some now!
Right on, Ruth! And the more you learn about chocolate and cacao, the more (hopefully) you want to source out ethical chocolate like Original Beans that treats the farmers and the environment well. Thx for stopping by.
Doreen: Thank you so much for sharing some of Original Bean’s blend chocolate. It is amazing. I would never have expected to love an 80% chocolate. In fact, I would never have tried it if you had not asked me to. What a beautiful flavour. Maybe because it tends to the coffee end of chocolate flavour, maybe another reason. Whatever that may be, it was a true experience (as enjoying chocolate with you always is).
Thanks so much, Wendy. As you know, I’m all about chocolate education. If I can teach you and others that there are many, many kinds of flavour we can experience thru pure dark chocolate, I know I am sure to find a chocolate that everyone will like. Finding a chocolate with coffee notes for you to taste is a no-brainer, as I know how much you love and appreciate the flavour notes of fine coffee.
Thanks for the recommendation, Doreen. I’ve never heard of this chocolate either, and it’s surprising I missed seeing this when we were in Switzerland a few years ago. I’ll check them out here soon. Until then, I’ll get some really good chocolate and a glass of quality red wine to celebrate the day!
Sounds good, Jan. I hope you found something enticing with which to celebrate. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Every time I read one of your informative posts, Doreen, I find myself drooling! During our travels in Central America we visited several small cacao farms and learned so much about the whole process of how cacao is grown and processed as well as some of the ethical problems presented in growing this popular food in many countries. Original Beans sounds not only delicious but a company I’d be happy to support. I’ll keep my eyes open for their products here in Portugal.
Hi Anita and thx for your comment. Was it Costa Rica where you visited cacao farms? I learned much about the challenges of growing cacao while there a few years ago. You can now see how cacao and chocolate have taken over my life with ever-engulfing research!
I always love your recommendations, because I know how thoroughly you do your research, Doreen. I will look at their site and perhaps order some Original Beans chocolate! I will definitely recommend it to my friends in Europe.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Thx, Christine, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too!
Great reasons, all five.
Right on, Linda. I hope you’ll give Original Beans a try. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, my friend.
I remember their entry in your book. Good to see you share about there on the blog, too.
Thx, Tammy Jo! Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Reg., Doreen. I am so happy to read about environmentally conscious cacao growers.
Thx so much, Bev. Drop in for a piece of Original Beans Chocolate and a Mordens’ Russian Mint this week. 🙂
Love the images and I can see why you would be a fan of Original Beans. You do such a marvelous job of sharing the story of chocolate it makes me feel guilty that I’m one of maybe half a percent of people in the world who doesn’t eat it. But I do still enjoy following your adventures! 🙂
Hi Marty and Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you tried cocoa nibs? They are a pure food and contain the highest amount of antioxidants and bioflavonols over any other food on the planet. They are not at all sweet, but instead, savoury and full of flavour notes. I eat them on my yogurt every morning. Try them! Great in chilli and anything where a crunch will be welcome.
Fantastic photos, Doreen. Original Beans has a commendable business idea.
They do, indeed, Catarina. Companies like Original Beans form the cornerstones of a happy and sustainable chocolate industry that is fair to all. Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
It’s great to see you doing a post on Original Beans Chocolate after featuring them in your book and elsewhere. I always appreciate any company that takes steps to be environmentally friendly.
Right on, Jeri! Happy Valentine’s Day to YOU!
Color coded bars is a good idea. Ok, yum, yum, yum. I will start looking for this, or others like it.
Right on, Susan. We speak with our wallets, and when we buy chocolate from ethical producers it enforces the good work they are doing.
Thanks for the introduction to Original Beans chocolate. I have love and chocolate on my mind, too. 🙂 Those are 5 awesome reasons to love this chocolate. Kudos to Original Beans!
Thx for the comment, Cathy. I agree. It’s really nice to know about companies like Original Beans. They make the world of chocolate so much sweeter. 🙂
That dessert looks amazing. I am not familiar with Original Beans. I am impressed with their business model, and I would love to try their chocolate. Seoul is into chocolate these days, so I will have to keep my eyes peeled. Happy Valentines Day!
Hi Nancie and thanks for your comment. Yes, Asia is slowly opening up to the idea of dark chocolate and pure chocolate versus the overly sweet candy they were used to eating. Hopefully, by the time I am working on volume II of Chocolatour in which I’ll feature Asia, they will have lots of great chocolate on offer.
I’m learning so much about chocolate reading your blog. To think I once thought the choice was just between milk or dark…
Thanks, Karen. I’m glad you’re enjoying learning about the world of pure chocolate and cacao. If I’ve done my job properly, you will never eat a “chocolate candy” bar again.
Interesting concept of colour coded bars, but I particularly like the idea of being at a wine and chocolate tasting. I think too often I just munch and gulp a piece down, without really appreciating the taste. I’ll keep my eye out for their products. Hopefully they are sold in Toronto….otherwise, off to Amsterdam!
Hi Jan: I know that OB has a Canadian distributor, but I don’t know if they have any retail outlets that market their products. But they definitely do sell online. I think you should attend one of my chocolate tasting classes. You should never “munch and gulp” good chocolate! Cheers, and thx for stopping by.
The Valentine dessert in the first photograph looks delicious!
I attempted to move on to your article but my eyes were gravitating to the photograph. As you know I have a special thing for chocolates!
Thank you for sharing – an ideal dessert for a loved up couple.
Enjoy Valentines Day whatever your plans.
Thanks for your delicious comment, Phoenicia. I hope your Valentine’s Day will include some delightful chocolate.