Bean to Bar: A One-Day Chocolate Making Experience
Discover the Craft of Chocolate from Scratch
Have you ever wondered how chocolate is made from raw cacao beans? Join us for a full-day, hands-on workshop where you’ll experience the magic of transforming cacao into your very own bean-to-bar chocolate.
Perfect for chocolate lovers, food creatives, and anyone considering investing in their own small-batch chocolate setup, this relaxed yet informative course covers all the essential steps—without diving too deep into the science. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of the process and the confidence to get started at home.
What You’ll Learn:
Introduction to Cacao
Taste and explore different origins of cacao beans. Learn how sourcing affects flavour, and what makes good beans great.
Roasting
Learn how to roast cacao for the best flavour development using a domestic oven. We’ll discuss temperatures, timings, and how to know when it’s just right.
Winnowing (Shell Removal)
Try your hand at cracking and winnowing cacao beans to remove the husk—an essential step in the bean-to-bar process.
Grinding & Refining
See a small-scale chocolate refiner in action. Learn how to grind nibs into smooth, silky chocolate and what to look for in a home or small-batch machine if you’re thinking of taking the plunge.
Tempering
Discover how to temper chocolate for a glossy finish and satisfying snap. We’ll show a few methods, including one you can do at home.
Additional Info:
Duration: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Includes: Light lunch, refreshments, and snacks throughout the day
Take Home: Printed bean-to-bar guide
Equipment Focus: We’ll discuss the investment required to continue at home, including costs and types of chocolate refiners.
Please Note:
This course is designed for hobbyists and aspiring home chocolatiers. It’s not overly technical, but you’ll get a true sense of what’s involved from bean to bar—and whether you’d like to dive deeper.