Belgium and Switzerland are synonymous with European chocolate … however Spain’s chocolate custom is simply as huge. The general public understanding of Spanish chocolate usually surfaces by way of churros dipped in sizzling chocolate sauce, a must-try combo in Madrid. Nonetheless, Spain is equally identified for a strong model of the deal with, finest loved within the nation’s Northwest. Particularly, the area of Castilla y León epitomizes the distinctive nature of Spanish chocolate, because of a historical past that is as wealthy as any darkish chocolate.

On the Camino de Santiago, Astorga is Spain’s chocolate haven. It is not essentially a chocolate recipe that distinguishes town’s — and, subsequently, Spain’s — chocolate custom, however, slightly, all of the tales and legends that hint the deal with’s origins. For example, legend has it that explorer Hernán Cortés introduced Aztec and Mayan chocolate to Spain circa the 1500s, after his daughter married the longer term Marquis of Astorga. 

Nonetheless, “the primary doc testifying to the presence of chocolate in Astorga dates again to 1636,” Roberto Prieto Centeno, director of the Astorga Tourism Workplace, informed Tasting Desk. “It seems in a listing of the belongings of town’s Marquise, Doña María de Toledo, performed days after her loss of life, which incorporates: ‘A vessel from India for ingesting chocolate.'” No matter its actual origin, chocolate emerged as a mainstay in Spain, with greater than 400 producers so far registered in Astorga alone. Almost 4 centuries of historical past signifies that Spain’s chocolatiers have had ample time to excellent their craft — and its style.

Happily for chocolate lovers, the longstanding historical past of Spanish chocolate materializes in its high quality of style. Within the 1900s, dozens of chocolate factories cropped up throughout Astorga, reworking town with chocolate manufacturing and, extra importantly, curated choices to strive. “Deciding on the best cocoa varieties, together with meticulous care and a focus to element all through the manufacturing course of, are hallmarks of Astorga chocolate,” defined Astorga’s Roberto Prieto Centeno. 

For much more proof that high quality of cocoa defines Spanish chocolate, think about as soon as once more the deal with’s historical past in Castilla y León . “Previously, a number of Astorga chocolatiers equipped their merchandise to the Spanish Royal Family, and a few received awards for his or her prime quality at worldwide exhibitions,” mentioned Centeno. Immediately, you may discover no scarcity of factories — and samples — throughout town.

Guests and mountaineering pilgrims alike can style chocolate from multi-generational factories comparable to Hojaldres Alonso or La Cepedana. Likewise, Centeno recommended the Astorga Chocolate Museum, which is the oldest Spanish museum devoted completely to the namesake candy. Oh, and for these desirous about ingesting their chocolate, you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from Northwest Spain’s high-quality, historic cocoa as a thick, creamy sizzling chocolate. Spain’s chocolate tastes scrumptious, regardless of whether or not you are taking a sip or a chew.