Continuing the El Salvador chocolate experience, the first thing I noticed as I walked into Xocolatísimo chocolate shop was an impressive looking arrangement of colorfully packaged chocolate bars covering almost the entire back wall.

Victor Avelar, proprietor, along with his wife and daughter, welcomed our small group with smiles and warm greetings. In short order, we were feasting upon samples of truffles, chocolate bars, and pastries.

It’s true what they say about behaving like “a kid in a candy store”. I was pulling chocolates off the shelves similar to the way I would grab books in the library. Eating, reading, chatting, and enjoying everything Xocolatísimo had to share.

Xocolatísimo is another fantastic bean to bar shop I visited while traveling in San Salvador, capital city of El Salvador. They serve 100% Salvadoran cacao (Cacao 100% Salvadoreño), sourced from the Usulután department in eastern El Salvador.

In 2017, cacao from El Salvador landed among the finalists in the International Cocoa Awards. In 2018, Xocolatísimo won multiple awards, competing among 100 chocolate companies from 16 different countries.

According to the Xocolatísimo website, “In our store you can have a unique experience with the vibrant flavors of our products because we prepare them with great dedication, inspired to always offer quality” (translated).

I can back this up by vouching first hand, the chocolate truffles, hand rolled, dipped and painted, taste as spectacular as they look.

Here’s just a partial list of their delicious treats I love: Rose Truffle with Citrus, Rum Truffle, Coffee Truffle, chocolate covered praline cashews, salted caramels, “tablets” of 65%, 75%, 85% dark chocolate, 51% milk chocolate, 75% with candied orange peel, and milk chocolate with coconut milk. Every aspect of tasting these chocolates, from texture to taste, was superb.

One of Xocolatísimo’s more unique products is “Mermelada De Naranja Con Chocolate Oscuro” or “Orange Marmalade With Dark Chocolate” The orange and chocolate were well balanced. I was impressed that the dark chocolate notes came through in spite of the orange peel being so intense. It truly tasted as good as it sounded.

You should see the delicious chocolate and orange spread. Unfortunately, by the time we thought to take a photo, we had already finished the jar. Maybe next time! 🙂

Travel with Chocolate Education...

Join Bryn, students of Chocolate University Online, and other chocolate lovers on a journey of chocolate discovery.

Take a look at the Chocolate Travels website for more information on any upcoming chocolate immersion trips. Please put your name on the no-obligation waiting list for more information.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Bryn Kirk

Course Facilitator at Chocolate University Online

Bryn worked for nearly 10 years in a research and product development for Ambrosia Chocolate Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Now she develops all of the CUO lessons and coaches the members of the Primal Chocolate Club.

Latest posts by Bryn Kirk (see all)

• BarkThins Dark Chocolate Coconut with Almonds - May 22, 2020
• Endangered Species Cacao Nibs + Dark Chocolate Review - May 15, 2020
• Mr. Dot Bar Review - May 7, 2020