As Valentine’s Day approaches, chocolate lovers have a unique gift option in Taza Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in Somerville, Massachusetts. Known for its distinctive Mexican-style, stone-ground chocolate discs, Taza offers a delightful selection for those seeking something special this romantic holiday.
Taza has introduced two specially designed sampler packs to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The first, the Love You More Sampler, features four chocolate discs, each weighing just over 1.33 ounces. Among these, three are crafted from 50 percent dark chocolate. One disc is infused with guajillo chile, providing a gentle sweetness with a hint of heat. Another is blended with cinnamon, while the last is flavored with aromatic vanilla beans. Rounding out the sampler is the Cacao Puro, a 70 percent dark chocolate disc that delivers a robust, bittersweet cocoa experience. This sampler retails for $15.
For those looking to explore a broader range of flavors, the Hearts on Fire Sampler offers eight different discs for $28. This selection includes a blend with coffee beans, a disc sprinkled with sea salt, and another that incorporates freshly roasted almonds ground directly into the chocolate. Additionally, there is an intense 85 percent dark chocolate disc designed for serious cocoa enthusiasts.
Founded in 2005 by Alex Whitmore and his wife, Kathleen Fulton, Taza Chocolate was inspired by the traditional stone-ground chocolate Whitmore encountered while traveling in Oaxaca, Mexico. The company is committed to using organic cacao beans sourced directly from farmers, and the chocolate is crafted using traditional stone mills known as molinos. This method not only preserves the bold flavors but also results in the signature grainy texture that honors ancient Aztec and Mayan chocolate-making traditions.
Taza Chocolate products can be purchased at various locations, including Brookline Booksmith at 279 Harvard Street, Brookline, and Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe at 6 Brattle Street, Cambridge. They are also available at Pemberton Farms Marketplace located at 2225 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, or through their website at tazachocolate.com.
This Valentine’s Day, whether you are treating yourself or searching for a thoughtful gift, Taza Chocolate offers a range of options that combine rich flavors with a commitment to quality and tradition.
