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New York — “Chocolate Deconstructed” — a one-day seminar focused on chocolate — was organized by the Chocolate Council of the National Confectioners Association March 3 for local media.

Susan Smith, senior vice-president of the Council, explains participants were educated on the history and cultural significance of chocolate and then were led through “experiences” in which they tasted the many components of chocolate.

“The Chocolate Council has hosted similar events in the past, but this was definitely the most enthusiastic and engaged crowd we’ve ever seen,” she tells Candy & Snack TODAY.

Rose Potts, corporate manager sensory and product guidance at Blommer Chocolate Co., facilitated tastings and education sessions on cocoa beans, cocoa butter and several types of cocoa liquor to demonstrate the variety of flavors possible through production of finished chocolate products.

Chocolatier Jacques Torres also described and demonstrated chocolate making offering samples to the audience.