How It's Made, Behind the Scenes of Chocolate Coin Production

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The Sweet Process of Making Chocolate Coins

Chocolate coins are a beloved treat, especially during holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah. These delightful candies are wrapped in shiny foil and designed to mimic real currency, often used as festive gifts or decorations. But how exactly are these chocolate treasures made? Let's dive into the fascinating process of creating chocolate coins.

From Cocoa Beans to Chocolate

The journey of a chocolate coin begins with the humble cocoa bean. Cocoa beans are harvested, fermented, and dried before being roasted to bring out their rich flavor. Once roasted, the beans are cracked open to separate the nibs from the shells. The nibs are then ground into a thick paste called cocoa mass or chocolate liquor.

This chocolate liquor is further processed to separate cocoa butter from cocoa solids. The exact proportions of these components depend on whether the final product will be milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or another variety. The chocolate is then refined and conched, which involves heating and continuously mixing it to develop a smooth texture and enhanced flavor​​​​.

Molding and Stamping

Once the chocolate reaches the desired consistency and flavor, it is tempered. Tempering involves heating and cooling the chocolate to specific temperatures to ensure it sets with a glossy finish and a satisfying snap. Properly tempered chocolate is then poured into coin-shaped molds. These molds often have intricate designs to give the coins their detailed appearance, resembling real currency or festive symbols.

After the chocolate is poured into the molds, it is allowed to cool and harden. Once set, the coins are popped out of the molds and move to the next stage: foil wrapping​​.

The Foil Wrapping

The wrapping process is meticulous and essential for the final product's visual appeal. Gold, silver, or other colored foils are cut into squares. These foils are then carefully wrapped around each chocolate coin, often using a windmill cutting technique to ensure the foil fits neatly and securely. This involves cutting slits along the edges of the foil to allow it to fold smoothly around the round shape of the coins​​.

For mass production, machines are used to wrap the coins quickly and uniformly. However, in smaller, artisanal productions, this can be done by hand to ensure each coin is perfectly presented. The wrapped coins are then packed into mesh bags or other packaging, ready for distribution​​.

Chocolate Coins in Holiday Traditions

Chocolate coins hold a special place in various cultural traditions. In the United Kingdom, they mimic real money and are traditionally given to children at Christmas, often used to decorate Christmas trees or included in stockings. Similarly, Jewish families use chocolate coins, known as gelt, during Hanukkah, both as gifts and for playing the traditional dreidel game​​​​.

In China, chocolate coins are sometimes given as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and good luck. These coins are often decorated with symbols of good fortune and wrapped in vibrant colored foils​​.

Chocolate coins are not just a sweet treat but also a way to connect with cultural traditions and bring a touch of festive magic to holiday celebrations.

Sources:

• Wikipedia: Chocolate coin
• BakeryCity: Chocolate Coins - History, Uses and Traditions Around the World
• NellieBellie: How to make homemade chocolate coins