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 rounded cocoa profile makes it a versatile choice for general pastry applications: 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.
3 kg format — who is it for?
This 3 kg format is intended for experienced pastry chefs and workshops/professionals who use this chocolate regularly: a better price per kg than the 1 kg format.
Technical specifications
55%
Cocoa
Minimum guaranteed content
Dark
Type
Couverture chocolate
●●●●○
Fluidity
4 out of 5 drops
2Flavor profile
Main profile
Cocoa-forward
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
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 is 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
Crystallization of the right crystals
3
Working
31–32°C
Ideal molding temperature
Tip: For simplicity, use Mycryo cocoa butter (1% of the chocolate's weight) added at 34–35°C. A quick, reliable tempering method favored by professionals.
7Flavor pairings
Ingredients officially recommended by Valrhona to enhance this chocolate.
Yellow fruits
Hazelnut
Caramel
Nuts
8This chocolate's perfect pairings
Valrhona products that perfectly complement this product.
9Signature recipe for this chocolate
A creative idea by Patissland showcasing the unique profile of this product.
Equatoriale Noir 55% chocolate chip cookies
InspirationHomemade cookies with crushed Equatoriale Noir 55% chocolate chips. Crisp yet melt-in-the-mouth texture and a pronounced cocoa flavor. A versatile recipe, popular with both home bakers and professionals.
Complete technical data sheet
| 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 I choose: 250g, 1kg, or 3kg?
250g to try it or for an occasional dessert. 1kg for a regular home baker (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 is chocolate with a high cocoa butter content (generally more than 31%) 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 preservation. For uses where it is mixed in (mousses, ganaches, biscuits): not required; simply melting it is sufficient.
How many fèves are there in 100g?
Approximately 35 to 40 Valrhona fèves per 100g. A practical format for measuring by the 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 resealed in its 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.
