Valrhona – Iconic Chocolate
Caraïbe 66% Chocolate Beans
The signature chocolate of École Valrhona, created in 1988. Balanced and roasted.
Caraïbe 66% is made from a complex blend of aromatic profiles from cacaos typical of the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Togo. These profiles have been blended since 1988 to achieve Caraïbe's consistent and distinctive flavor: balanced and roasted. This blend is a true feat of expertise and has become the signature chocolate of École Valrhona.
1 kg format — who is it for?
regular home baker, 5–15 desserts
Technical specifications
66%
Cocoa
Minimum guaranteed content
Dark
Type
Couverture chocolate
●●●○○
Fluidity
3 drops out of 5
2Aromatic profile
Major profile
balanced
Minor note
roasted
Signature
roasted nuts
Official Valrhona sensory profile, rated across 5 dimensions.
Tasting notes
4How much chocolate do you need?
Quantity required525 g
Recommended format1 x 1 kg bag
Tempering allowance (10%)578 g
Tip: 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 will 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
Valrhona's official curve for this chocolate.
1
Melting
50–55°C
Double boiler or microwave in stages
2
Cooling
28–29°C
Formation 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 quick and reliable tempering method favored by professionals.
7Flavor pairings
Ingredients officially recommended by Valrhona to enhance this chocolate.
almond
lemon zest
pecan
cinnamon
coffee
lemongrass
vanilla
caramel
8The perfect pairings for this chocolate
Valrhona products that perfectly complement this product.
9Signature recipe for this chocolate
A creative idea by Patissland showcasing the unique profile of this product.
Caraïbe 66% ganache tart
InspirationCrispy Breton shortbread, Caraïbe 66% ganache with vanilla cream, decorated with crushed whole feves. A classic that fully reveals the signature profile of this iconic chocolate.
Complete technical data sheet
| Brand | Valrhona (France, Tain-l'Hermitage) |
| Range | Blend |
| Type | Dark |
| Cocoa content | Minimum 66% |
| Valrhona creation | 1988 |
| Status | Iconic Valrhona reference |
| Fluidity | 3 drops out of 5 |
| Available sizes | 250g, 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 I choose: 250g, 1kg, or 3kg?
250g for trying it out or making an occasional dessert. 1kg for a regular amateur 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 more than 31%) and is intended for professionals. Its fluidity makes it suitable 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 are 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 causes bloom). When stored in a resealed bag, it keeps for 18 months.
Learn more
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.
