Valrhona - Couverture Chocolate
Equatoriale Noir 55% beans
Equatoriale 55% dark couverture, versatile and accessible.
Equatoriale Noir 55% is a Valrhona dark couverture chocolate with a moderate cocoa content. Its round cocoa profile makes it a versatile choice for general pastry making: mousses, ganaches, biscuits, and ice creams. It is often used as an entry-level option by artisans who want Valrhona quality in their everyday preparations.
1 kg format — who is it for?
This 1 kg format is suitable for regular use by advanced home bakers or moderate professional use. For more intensive use (workshops, professionals), the 3 kg format offers a better price per kg.
Technical specifications
55%
Cocoa
Minimum guaranteed content
Dark
Type
Couverture chocolate
●●●●○
Fluidity
4 out of 5 drops
2Aromatic profile
Major profile
cocoa-rich
Minor note
round
Signature
versatile
Tasting notes
4How much chocolate do you need?
Required quantity525 g
Recommended format1 × 1 kg bag
Tempering allowance (10%)578 g
Advice: Always allow for 10% extra to account for natural tempering losses. Buy the largest format possible: the price per kg is always more advantageous.
5What can you use it for?
Evaluation based on the applications recommended by Valrhona for this product.
Ganaches
Mousses
Molded chocolates
Bars
Coatings
Ice creams & sorbets
6Tempering curve
The official Valrhona curve for this chocolate.
1
Melting
50–55°C
Double boiler or microwave in stages
2
Cooling
28–29°C
Crystallization of the right crystals
3
Working
31–32°C
Ideal molding temperature
Tip: To simplify the process, use Mycryo cocoa butter (1% of the chocolate’s weight) added at 34–35°C. A fast, reliable tempering method favored by professionals.
7Flavor pairings
Ingredients officially recommended by Valrhona to enhance this chocolate.
yellow fruit
hazelnut
caramel
dried fruit
8The accompaniments for this chocolate
Valrhona products that perfectly complement this variety.
9Signature recipe for this chocolate
A creative idea by Patissland to showcase the unique profile of this variety.
Equatoriale Noir 55% chocolate chip cookies
InspirationHomemade cookies with chunks of Equatoriale Noir 55%. Crisp and melting texture, with a pronounced cocoa flavor. A versatile recipe, popular with both enthusiasts and professionals.
Complete technical specifications
| Brand | Valrhona (France, Tain-l'Hermitage) |
| Range | Blend |
| Type | Dark |
| Cocoa content | Minimum 55% |
| Fluidity | 4 out of 5 drops |
| Available sizes | 1kg, 3kg |
| Storage | 18 months at 16–18°C, away from moisture |
| Allergens | Milk (depending on the product). May contain tree nuts and soy. |
| Made in | France (Tain-l'Hermitage, Drôme) |
Frequently asked questions
Which size should you choose: 250g, 1kg, or 3kg?
250g for trying it out or making an occasional dessert. 1kg for a regular home pastry chef (5–15 desserts). 3kg or more for workshops and professional use: the price per kg is significantly more advantageous in larger formats.
What is couverture chocolate?
Couverture chocolate has a high cocoa butter content (generally over 31%) and is intended for professionals. Its fluidity allows for coating, molding, and all fine chocolate-making techniques.
Is tempering mandatory?
For uses where the chocolate remains visible and solid (molding, coating, decorating): yes, tempering is essential for shine, snap, and shelf life. For uses where it is mixed in (mousses, ganaches, biscuits): not required; simple melting is sufficient.
How many feves are there in 100g?
Approximately 35 to 40 Valrhona feves per 100g. A practical format for measuring to the nearest gram without weighing once you're used to it.
How should Valrhona chocolate be stored?
Ideally at 16–18°C, in a dry place away from light and odors. Avoid the refrigerator (condensation = sugar bloom). In a resealed bag, it keeps for 18 months.
To take it further
Explore the Valrhona collection, chocolates and pralines, and 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.
