Chocolate Couvertures Infusion with UK'S Summer Fruits

Welcome to a flavourful journey that will melt in your mouth and take your senses on an unforgettable trip through the verdant summer landscapes of the United Kingdom. The country's natural bounty comes alive yearly in the delightful, luscious chocolate with seasonal summer fruits. This blog will unveil the fusion quintessentially British and loved by chocolatiers worldwide.

The tradition

One fabulous pairing that the British have nailed is chocolate with summer fruits. With its temperate climate, Britain boasts a delicious array of summer fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, and cherries that beautifully complement the depth and richness of the chocolate.

One of the most emblematic representations of this fusion is the traditional British Eton Mess. Originally served at Eton College's annual cricket game, this dessert typically consists of crushed meringue, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. The modern take, however, involves a generous drizzle of chocolate ganache, turning an already delectable dessert into a chocoholic's dream.

The traditional summer pudding, too, often gets a chocolatey twist. In this dessert, an abundance of summer fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, and redcurrants, are encased in slices of bread that soak up their juices. A layer of molten dark chocolate on top adds a luscious touch, making it the perfect indulgence on a sunny summer afternoon.

Chocolate with inclusions in the confectionery industry

The symphony of chocolate with summer fruits is a delightful dance of sweet, bitter, and juicy flavours that swirls and pops on the palate. From refreshing fruit-chocolate tarts to fruit-filled chocolates, the combination never surprises and enchants.

The infusion of fruit and chocolate in the confectionery industry is an exciting and ever-evolving trend. This combination has been popular for a long time due to its delightful contrast of sweet, bitter, and tart flavours, but constant innovation keeps consumers' interest piqued. But how can you use Luker's chocolate couvertures in your summer recipes? 

Milk chocolate has fantastic versatility because this type of chocolate falls right in the middle of the sweetness spectrum. That means it can go with most wind of fruit, so fruits like cherries are a great match with milk chocolates. 

How about milk chocolate bonbons with cherry filling? Our 40% Milk Chocolate Noche it's perfect for it! Its milky notes, acidity, and chocolate taste complement each other perfectly, making it smooth and well-balanced. Also, this chocolate's fluidity makes it perfect for any application. 

Are your customers more into white chocolate? We have the perfect combination for you! 

White chocolate strawberry & pistachio bars will be a hit this summer. Our signature white chocolate Nevado made with 100% natural cocoa butter, is perfect for these bars for pronouncing milky notes and gentle cocoa tones. Also, it has a fantastic texture and is suitable for more applications such as ganaches and filling, dessert among others, so dare to add it to your favourite summer creations. 

You can always go right with raspberry dark chocolate bars. We recommend using our 70% Dark Chocolate Palenque which is full of contrast with its cocoa tones and extraordinary bitter-roasted and coffee notes. This chocolate will go perfectly with the sharp tang of raspberries, and you can add a pinch of sea salt to give his bar its last touch. 

These kinds of chocolate bars with freeze-dried fruit inclusions are gaining traction. The freeze-drying process allows the fruit to retain its vibrant colour and intense flavour, making it an ideal addition to our chocolates. 

Innovation in high-end confectionery

In artisanal chocolates, bonbons and truffles filled with fruit ganaches, jellies, or fruit-infused caramel are becoming increasingly popular, like a strawberry balsamic ganache encased in a milk chocolate shell.

There is also a growing trend of fruit and chocolate combinations in other confectionery products, such as fudge, marshmallows, nougat, and marzipan.

Another exciting development is the increased focus on health and sustainability. Dark chocolate, known for its antioxidant properties, is often paired with superfruits like blueberries or goji berries, creating an indulgent product yet perceived as healthier.

Single-origin chocolates are increasing their demand, often paired with sustainably sourced fruits. Consumers are increasingly aware of the ethical implications of their purchases and are willing to pay a premium for products that align with their values. 

You can add our Selected Origins Chocolates Portfolio to your creations. We work closely with our farmers in Colombia and other countries to source the best Fino de Aroma cacao beans and ensure that they are produced using sustainable and ethical practices. The quality of this line is evident in the rich, complex flavours of our selected origins chocolate, which showcase the unique characteristics of the regions where the cocoa beans are from.

This portfolio goes matches with extra sweet fruits. Great examples are bananas, mango, figs, pears, and, of course, strawberries. That punch of sweetness will balance the bitterness and leave you with a harmonious bite. You can make delicious chocolate bars by choosing different flavor profiles, each with unique characteristics influenced by the terroir where the cacao beans were grown, and by adding fruit toppings, you make the perfect combination for consumer needs.

Something cold for this hot summer! 

Summer is the perfect season to make fruit and chocolate smoothies. We combined the classic 35% white chocolate Glaciar with strawberries and vanilla to make a refreshing drink perfect for this weather! You will need the following: 

• 100 g 35% Glaciar Chocolate
• 150 g strawberries
• 500 g coconut milk 
• One vanilla bean 
• Juice of half lime

Melt the Glaciar. Mix the strawberries, coconut milk, and scored vanilla bean in a blender. Add in the melted white chocolate, followed by the lime juice. Mix again. Store in the refrigerator. Mix just before you are ready to serve so a creamy mousse form. You can add ice cubes to make a frappé version. 

Tips for a successful smoothie:

• Pay attention to the texture. Using soft fruits with low water content (such as apricots, bananas, and figs) is essential. But remember very watery fruit like oranges and watermelons. Mixing the two gives you a balanced texture that is neither too liquid nor too thick. 
• You can add green vegetables if you want an even healthier smoothie. Spinach, kale, or watercress provide chlorophyll and a subtle taste. 
• Add yogurt, cow's milk, or a plant-based drink if you want a slightly creamier texture. 
• Finally, stand mixers are ideal for mixing. But an immersion blender is also fine if you don't have one. 

Invent your recipes! Dare to create and combine our chocolate with fruits and your favorite ingredients for this summer.