Valrhona – Iconic Chocolate
Caraïbe 66% Chocolate Beans
The signature chocolate of the Valrhona School, 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 the Valrhona School.
3 kg size — who is it for?
experienced pastry chefs/workshops, best price per kilogram
Technical specifications
66%
Cocoa
Guaranteed minimum content
Dark
Type
Couverture chocolate
●●●○○
Fluidity
3 out of 5 drops
2Aromatic profile
Major profile
balanced
Minor note
roasted
Signature
roasted nuts
Official Valrhona sensory profile, rated across 5 axes.
Tasting notes
4How much chocolate do you need?
Quantity required525 g
Recommended size1 × 1 kg bag
Tempering allowance (10%)578 g
Advice: Always allow 10% extra for natural tempering losses. Buy the largest size possible: the price per kilogram 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
The official Valrhona curve for this chocolate.
1
Melting
50–55°C
Bain-marie or microwave in stages
2
Cooling
28–29°C
Crystallization of the correct 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. Fast, reliable tempering 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 couverture.
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 fèves. A classic that fully reveals the signature profile of this iconic chocolate.
Complete technical sheet
| Brand | Valrhona (France, Tain-l'Hermitage) |
| Range | Blend |
| Type | Dark |
| Cocoa content | 66% minimum |
| Created by Valrhona | 1988 |
| Status | Iconic Valrhona product |
| Fluidity | 3 out of 5 drops |
| Available sizes | 250g, 1kg, 3kg |
| Storage | 18 months at 16–18°C, protected 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 to try it out or for 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 better in larger formats.
What is couverture chocolate?
Couverture chocolate is chocolate with a high cocoa butter content (generally over 31%) 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, decoration): yes, tempering is essential for shine, snap, and shelf life. For uses where it is mixed in (mousses, ganaches, biscuits): not required; simply melting it is sufficient.
How many fèves are in 100g?
Approximately 35 to 40 Valrhona fèves per 100g. A convenient 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.
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.
