What Is Ruby Chocolate?

What Makes Ruby Chocolate Pink?

We first eat with our eyes, and the blushing pink colour of ruby chocolate doesn't disappoint. The pink colour is special because it doesn't come from berries or artificial colours added to the chocolate. Instead, it's said to be all natural.  

Yet, it's tricky to know the whole truth. There is an air of mystery surrounding ruby chocolate because it's only crafted by one company in the world, Callebaut, who created this chocolate.  

These Belgian chocolatiers have not shared all their trade secrets, but they claim the pink colour is thanks to a unique variety of Ruby Cocoa Beans that can be found in Ecuador, Brazil, and the Ivory Coast.   

Differently from Ruby Cocoa Beans, chocolate traces its origins back to Mesoamerica, where ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs first discovered the cacao tree. So, where does chocolate come from? These civilizations cultivated cacao trees for their beans, which were then processed into a bitter beverage enjoyed by the elite. With the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, chocolate began its global journey. 

 

What Is Ruby Chocolate Made Of?

Ruby chocolate is almost identical to white chocolate in terms of its ingredients. It's made from cocoa powder (at least 30%), milk powder, sugar and citric acid. The citric acid is what's different.  

It's believed that ruby's pink colour comes not from a different type of cocoa bean but from the production process. To achieve the deep, complex flavours of dark chocolate, cocoa beans are fermented for at least a week. In contrast, ruby's cocoa beans are unfermented and combined with acids to produce a pink colour and fruitier flavour.  

 

What Does Ruby Chocolate Taste Like?

Ruby chocolate's flavour is utterly unique, yet it's the most similar to white chocolate. Callebaut describes it as a dance between berry fruitiness and luscious smoothness.  

It's creamier than milk chocolate but less sweet than white, with whispers of fruitiness and citrus. Some tasters also find hints of tangy, yogurt-like flavours coming through.  

Treat yourself to a ruby chocolate-like experience with Venchi's Raspberry & Nibs White Chocolate. Topped with crunchy-like cocoa bean grains, how can you not fall in love?  

 

Health Benefits Of Ruby Chocolate

Chocolate is often celebrated for its health benefits, but most of these come from cocoa powder, which ruby chocolate doesn't contain. Yet, it is very similar to white chocolate, which is packed with health-boosting benefits.  

White chocolate benefits not only our minds but also our bodies. It’s rich in calcium and vitamins B2 and B3 which are crucial for strong bones. Retinol is also present, the ingredient found in bestselling skincare products. Just like white chocolate, ruby doesn't contain any stimulants, so it can be enjoyed by children and those hoping to avoid caffeine.  

 

What Goes With Ruby Chocolate?

Ruby chocolate pairs well with both sweet and savoury flavours. With this surprise ingredient, take your dishes to the next level. Complement this berry-flavoured chocolate with everything from coffee and pepper to delicate seafood like scallops and salmon.  

When entertaining, ruby chocolate adds a sophisticated twist to charcuterie boards. It loves to be teamed up with bold cheeses like gorgonzola and camembert and nuts like almonds and pistachios.  

Nuts, berries and white chocolate are a match made in culinary heaven. Try to resist Venchi's Brutto & Buono White Raspberry, Almond and Rose Heart, which is made by hand, just like in the good old days.  

Or you could savour the chocolate all on its own and pair it with the finest drops of red—Shiraz is best. Ruby chocolate effortlessly complements the light effervescence flavours of champagne and white dessert wines.  

 

Ideas to use Ruby chocolate for baking

Baked chocolate desserts are one of life's great pleasures. Experimenting with new ingredients makes baking even more exciting. What surprises does baking with ruby chocolate hold? Before you jump into the kitchen, there are a few special rules to keep in mind.  

Be extra careful when tempering ruby chocolate. It tempers at a slightly lower temperature of 29C than white, milk and dark varieties. Also, don't be alarmed. Ruby chocolate will likely lose its gorgeous pink colour. When melted, the pink can transform into a soft grey.  

If you want to maintain ruby chocolate's wow factor, it's best to use it as a sauce over your baked desserts. Recipes like ruby chocolate-covered strawberries, mousses and cheesecakes will all produce unforgettable results.