Berger Edelbitter. Dark organic chocolate bar with at least 70% cocoa, fruity notes of cassis and banana, with a hint of coffee.
Berger Edelbitter is the signature dark chocolate bar from Berger Confiserie in Lofer, in the Salzburg region. The 90g bar consists of four ingredients: cocoa mass, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, and vanilla, all from organic farming. It contains at least 70% cocoa and, according to the manufacturer, is vegan and made with Fairtrade ingredients.
Edelbitter by Berger is the house's dark chocolate in its simplest form, entirely without pieces, fillings, or spices. Under this name, the confiserie offers its dark varieties with at least 70% cocoa. This number describes the proportion of cocoa components, i.e., cocoa mass and cocoa butter combined. The rest consists of raw cane sugar and a small amount of vanilla. There is nothing else on the ingredient list, which is precisely why it is a great bar for getting to know the craft. The cocoa mass provides color and flavor, while the cocoa butter ensures a smooth melt. The raw cane sugar adds a rounded sweetness, and the vanilla smoothes the finish. For those wanting to discover what cocoa itself tastes like, this type of basic bar is the closest you can get.
Taste: first cocoa, then dark fruit, finally coffee
Berger describes the bar with delicate fruit notes of cassis and banana and a hint of coffee. This becomes most apparent when you let a piece melt on your tongue instead of chewing it. First, the tart cocoa note hits, strong and clear. After a few seconds, a dark berry fruitiness emerges, reminiscent of black currant. The banana is softer, almost like very ripe fruit. Finally, a light roasted note remains, evocative of freshly brewed coffee.
These fruit notes originate from the cocoa itself, as there is no fruit listed in the ingredients. The vanilla takes the edge off the bitterness while remaining in the background. Those who prefer chocolate to be primarily sweet and milky will find this bar too tart. For that taste, a milk chocolate bar is the better choice.
Usage: with espresso, with red wine, as a stash for the evening
The bar tastes best at room temperature. It is hard straight from the fridge, and the fruit notes remain muted. A small square with an espresso after lunch is the simplest way to get to know it. Coffee and cocoa share the roasted note, and the chocolate's fruitiness stands out even more clearly afterward.
In the evening, a piece pairs well with a glass of red wine. For guests, break the bar into rough pieces and place them on a small plate next to the cups. This way, everyone can take as much as they like. Store the bar in a cool, dry place, protected from heat and foreign odors.
Our tip: Place the pure bar next to the dark bar with orange and try them alternately. This will allow you to taste what the orange does to the tart chocolate.
Origin: cocoa from Madagascar, bar from Lofer
Since 2023, Berger has sourced the cocoa for its organic dark chocolate from Sambirano SA in northern Madagascar. Anna and Franz Berger know the cocoa regions firsthand, having traveled to the countries of origin themselves. The bar is produced in Lofer in the Pinzgauer Saalachtal, as this is where Berger exclusively manufactures.
The confiserie was founded in 1994 by master confectioner and chocolatier Hubert Berger and his wife Christine. Their first workspace was his parents' garage in Lofer. Today, Anna and Franz manage the business, with Franz acting as the chocolatier responsible for product development. According to the manufacturer, the cocoa, raw cane sugar, and vanilla in this bar come from Fairtrade producers, with a Fairtrade content of 100%. The organic control number is AT-BIO-301.
For whom: for anyone who wants to taste cocoa in its pure form
This bar is suitable for anyone who likes to eat dark chocolate without additives. It is perfect for keeping in a drawer to enjoy a square in the evening. It also works well as a small gift because it is clear and understated. Those who prefer it milder should reach for the milk chocolate with caramel pieces. You can find all bars from Lofer at Berger Confiserie.
Allergen information: According to the manufacturer, the bar does not contain any of the main allergens, but it may contain traces of peanuts, soy, milk, and tree nuts. It is therefore not suitable for people with an allergy to these substances.
A dark organic bar from Lofer with four ingredients – for a square with your espresso and for anyone who wants to know what cocoa tastes like.
