Buying Valrhona in England

[RichardJones]

Dear Bakers,

I would like to try and get my hands on some Valrhona couverture (nothing specific -- anything dark, suitable for moulding). This is tricky to do as an individual. I was wondering if there were any retailers offering Valrhona couverture you might have come across, please?

On a similar note, is anyone aware of a supplier for very finely ground almonds (destined for macarons), please?

Many thanks for any help you might be able to offer,

R

[RichardJones]

Oh dear, I seem to have found an answer to my own question. There are 1kg blocks available here: http://www.chocolatetradingco.com/moreinfo.asp?ID=899 and 3kg bags here: http://www.chocolatetradingco.com/moreinfo.asp?ID=928

However, if anyone can link to a higher cocoa content/better price, I'd still be grateful!

Edited November 14, 2009 by RichardJones (log)

[confiseur]

Oh dear, I seem to have found an answer to my own question. There are 1kg blocks available here: http://www.chocolatetradingco.com/moreinfo.asp?ID=899 and 3kg bags here: http://www.chocolatetradingco.com/moreinfo.asp?ID=928

However, if anyone can link to a higher cocoa content/better price, I'd still be grateful!

Richard,

....dont get hung up on cocoa content, it really is no guarantor of quality...

If you try Town and Country in High Wycombe they have just started importing Felchlin Maracaibo 65% into the UK as sole distributors...this is undoubtedly one of the worlds great chocolates, certainly of a higher standard than the overhyped Caraibe and Araguani from Valrhona...better price too..

[prairiegirl]

Fine ground almonds...go to a middle east store, Italian etc. These ethnic stores usually have these products and probably at a better price than regular grocery stores.

[RichardJones]

What fast responses!

Thanks to you both.

[lapin d'or]

I have bought Valrhona from HB Ingredients, they sell a reasonable range of the 3kg packs. The prices range from about £10 to £13 per kilo depending on which one. You have to pay about £10 for delivery unless you can order up to £200 in one go.

Town and Country also sell Cluizel, very good couverture in my opinion but more expensive than Valrhona. They also have a far lower minimum order value than a lot of places.

cheers Lapin