Valrhona · Exceptional Blend
Extra Bitter 61% Feves 3kg
Intense bitter blend with a pronounced roasted profile.
Extra Bitter 61% is a Valrhona blend designed to offer pronounced bitterness and an intense roasted profile. Ideal for recipes requiring a pronounced cocoa character without reaching the highest cocoa percentages.
Technical specifications
61%
Cocoa
Minimum guaranteed content
Dark
Type
Couverture chocolate
●●●○○
Fluidity
3 drops out of 5
1Aromatic profile
Major profile
bitter
Minor note
intense
Signature
roasted
Tasting notes
3How much chocolate do you need?
Required quantity525 g
Recommended format1 x 1kg bag
Tempering allowance (10%)578 g
Advice: Always allow 10% extra for natural tempering losses (residue in the bowl or on the spatula). The 1kg or 3kg format always offers a better price per kg.
4What is it for?
Patissland evaluation based on the applications recommended by Valrhona for this product.
Ganaches
Mousses
Molded chocolates
Bars
Coatings
Ice creams & sorbets
5Tempering curve
The official Valrhona tempering curve for this chocolate. Tempering crystallizes the cocoa butter into a stable form for mirror-like shine, a clean snap, and perfect release from the mold.
1
Melting
50 - 55°C
Double boiler or microwave in stages
2
Cooling
28 - 29°C
Crystallization of the right crystals
3
Working temperature
31 - 32°C
Ideal molding temperature
Tip: To simplify tempering, use Mycryo cocoa butter (1% of the chocolate's weight), added at 34–35°C after melting. A quick, reliable method favored by professionals.
6Flavor pairings
Ingredients that naturally enhance this chocolate, according to Valrhona's recommendations.
coffee
caramel
nuts
7This chocolate's companions
Valrhona products that perfectly complement this chocolate in your creations.
8Signature recipe for this chocolate
A creative idea by Patissland to highlight the unique profile of this product.
Mousse Extra Bitter 6161% pure cocoa
InspirationClassic mousse made with pâte à bombe, without whipped cream to preserve the purity of the cocoa. Served with a few citrus zests and a touch of fleur de sel.
Complete technical sheet
| Brand | Valrhona (France, Tain-l'Hermitage) |
| Range | Blend |
| Type | Dark |
| Cocoa content | At least 61% |
| Fluidity | 3 drops out of 5 |
| Storage | 18 months at 16–18°C, away from moisture |
| Allergens | Milk, soy (depending on the product). May contain tree nuts. |
| Made in | France (Tain-l'Hermitage, Drôme) |
Frequently asked questions
What is couverture chocolate?
Couverture chocolate is chocolate with a high cocoa butter content (generally more than 31%) intended for professionals. Its fluidity makes it suitable for enrobing, molding, and all fine chocolate-making techniques. Valrhona has produced exclusively couverture chocolate since 1922.
What is the difference between fèves and pistoles?
There is no difference in quality: fèves are drop-shaped, while pistoles are flat discs. Both melt identically. Valrhona has historically produced fèves, but also offers certain products as pistoles depending on the market.
How many fèves are in 100 g?
Approximately 35 to 40 Valrhona fèves per 100 g (varies by product). A convenient format for measuring to the nearest gram without weighing once you are used to it.
Is tempering mandatory?
For applications where the chocolate remains visible and solid (molding, enrobing, decorating): yes, essential for shine, snap, and shelf life. For applications where it is mixed in (mousses, ganaches, biscuits): not required; simple melting is sufficient.
How should Valrhona chocolate be stored?
Ideally at 16–18°C, in a dry place away from light and odors. Avoid the refrigerator (condensation = bloom). In a resealed bag, it keeps for 18 months. No problem if the chocolate develops slight bloom: it remains suitable for baked pastry preparations.
To take it further
Explore the Valrhona collection, chocolates and pralines, and polycarbonate chocolate molds on Patissland.
Shipping and Delivery
Processing and Delivery Times
- Order Preparation: 0 to 2 working days
- France, Belgium, Germany: 1 to 2 working days
- Europe: 2 to 5 working days
- Click & Collect Osny: 24-48h
Shipping Fees
- FR, BE, DE: based on weight
- Europe: based on country and weight
- Click & Collect Osny: Free
Exact fees are calculated at checkout.
