Valrhona · Exceptional Blend
Extra Bitter 61% Feves 3 kg
Intensely bitter blend with a pronounced roasted profile.
Extra Bitter 61% is a Valrhona blend designed to deliver pronounced bitterness and an intense roasted profile. Ideal for recipes that call for a bold cocoa character without going too high in cocoa content.
Technical specifications
- Cocoa
- 61%
- Guaranteed minimum content
- Type
- Dark
- Couverture chocolate
- Fluidity
- ●●●○○
- 3 drops out of 5
Aroma profile
Dominant profile
bitter
Minor note
intense
Signature
roasted
Tasting notes
Quantity guide
Example for guidance, based on the parameters below. Adjust the quantity to suit your recipe.
| What is it used for? | Chocolate mousse (175 g / serves 4) |
|---|---|
| How many servings? | 3 batches |
| Quantity required | 525 g |
| Recommended size | 1 x 1 kg bag |
| Tempering allowance (10%) | 578 g |
Tip: Always allow 10% extra for natural tempering losses (residue in the mixing bowl and on the spatula). The 1 kg or 3 kg size always offers a better price per kg.
What is it used for?
Patissland rating based on Valrhona's recommended applications for this product.
Ganaches
Mousses
Molded chocolates
Chocolate bars
Coatings
Ice creams & sorbets
Tempering curve
Valrhona's official tempering curve for this chocolate. Tempering crystallizes the cocoa butter into a stable form for mirror shine, a crisp snap, and perfect release from the mold.
Melting
50 - 55 °CDouble boiler or microwave in short burstsCooling
28 - 29 °CCrystallization of stable crystalsWorking
31 - 32 °CIdeal molding temperature
Flavor pairings
Ingredients that naturally enhance this chocolate, as recommended by Valrhona.
Perfect partners for this chocolate
Valrhona products that perfectly complement this chocolate in your creations.
Signature recipe for this chocolate
A creative idea by Patissland to showcase the unique profile of this product.
Extra Bitter 6161% pure cocoa mousse
InspirationClassic mousse made with pâte à bombe, without whipped cream to preserve the purity of the cocoa. Served with a few citrus zest strips and a touch of fleur de sel.
Full technical data 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 product). May contain nuts. |
| Made in | France (Tain-l'Hermitage, Drôme) |
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, our advice
What is couverture chocolate?
Couverture chocolate has a high cocoa butter content (generally over 31%) and is intended for professionals. Its fluidity makes it suitable for coating, 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 in the same way. Valrhona has traditionally produced fèves, but also offers some products as pistoles depending on the market.
How many fèves are in 100 g?
About 35 to 40 Valrhona fèves per 100 g (varies by product). A convenient format for measuring precise amounts without weighing once you are used to it.
Is tempering essential?
For applications where the chocolate remains visible and solid (molding, coating, decoration): yes, tempering is essential for shine, snap, and shelf life. For applications where it is mixed in (mousses, ganaches, cookies): not required; simply melting it is sufficient.
How should Valrhona chocolate be stored?
Ideally store at 16-18 °C in a dry place, away from light and odors. Avoid the refrigerator (condensation = chocolate bloom). In a resealed bag, it keeps for 18 months. Slight chocolate bloom is nothing to worry about: it is still suitable for baking.
Additional resources
Explore the Valrhona collection, chocolates and pralines, polycarbonate chocolate molds on Patissland.
Explore further
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.
