Greedy Gourmet

Tea and chocolate. Who would have guessed?

When Matcha Chocolat approached me for a review on tea chocolates I was somewhat sceptical. I despise the tea Brits guzzle day in and day out and am primarily a Rooibos/Red Bush tea drinker. Yet my curiosity was piqued. Who can resist chocolates?!

The box of chocolates was carefully wrapped and had an attractive, hot pink design. As I opened the box the smell of chocolate and tea filled the air.

A. Jasmine Silver Needles

A white chocolate dome of white chocolate ganache infused with Jasmine green tea – one of the most well known Chinese teas.

Hesitantly, I bit into the chocolate, bracing myself for an overwhelming tea flavour but surprising it was mellow and the scent unmistakably Jasmine tea. Personally, this one was my favourite.

B. Blackcurrant Bliss

An all milk chocolate demi-dome infused with a blend of scented blackcurrant tea and an Assam tea. Complimented by blackcurrant puree and topped with a dried blackcurrant.

I’ve coined better names: Silicone Knockers or Victoria Beckham’s Tits. Come on, it sure looks like it! Although I’m not a fan of fruit and chocolate mixes this one was the best I’ve had so far under this category. Ignoring any visual feedback, I think the dried blackcurrant is unnecessary.

C. Uji Matcha

A milk chocolate enrobed square of dark chocolate ganache with an infusion of Uji Matcha green tea – grown in the Uji region of Kyoto, Japan.

So pretty I almost didn’t want to eat it. How do they get the flower pattern on the chocolate?? This chocolate had a stronger tea flavour than the Jasmine Silver Needles and Blackcurrant Bliss but by no means overwhelming.

D. Midnight Peony

Milk chocolate ganache with black tea liqueur – slightly smoky and reminiscent of Chinese Lapsang tea. Enrobed in a dark chocolate dome.

For those of you who are looking for a punch, this will do. The intense, smoky flavour is uncompromising and this was my husband’s favourite who gleefully demolished the whole lot without any need for coaxing.

E. Masala Chai

Milk chocolate ganache infused with Masala Chai tea – a traditional blend of Indian black tea infused with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, cloves and aniseed. Enrobed in a dark chocolate dome and topped with a piece of crystallised ginger.

To say this is bad would not be fair. Where we are not fans of spices in our chocolate there are people out there like my mother who freaks out about chilli chocolate. It really depends on the person’s palate.

All the chocolates exuded quality that could have only come from using the finest ingredients available. Their shelf life is two weeks but I will assure you they will be gobbled up quickly. Whereas we weren’t keen on all of them it came down to taste preference and nothing else. There is something that will suit everyone; from mild to pungent.

If you are interested in treating yourself to this delicacy, Matcha Chocolat’s website will launch on 1 March 2010.

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