Introduction with a few questions
Posted in: Allow Me to Introduce Myself
No one?
Forum Activity for @Hong L
Introduction with a few questions
Posted in: Allow Me to Introduce Myself
Hi, my name is Hong Le from Los Angeles. I've been working as a web programmer in the internet sector for half of my life. I figure it's about time I try something new and why not get into something that I'm passionate about. I love chocolate and I love business. I hope to meet a lot of interesting people and mentors.
Jumping straight into my questions, here goes...
- I'd like to build a chocolate business but I have no idea where to even begin. I have a mold in mind but have no idea how to produce this mold. According to my research so far, I think I'm looking to produce a polycarbonate mold. Can anyone assist with this?
- Are there any chocolate companies (not sure what they're called) that can help churn out chocolates in my custom mold on a mass scale?
- I recently learned the term copacker. Are there any chocolate copackers that anyone recommends?
- I have no idea about costs and minimums are when it comes to any of the processes so if anyone is knowledgeable in this, can you shine any light on this?
If I'm leaving anything out, please let me know also. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I hope to hear back from anyone and thanks for allowing me to be apart of this community.
updated by @Hong L: 04/15/15 23:39:32
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
So is Haiti (in terms of being an unusual case!), since Haiti was part of Hispaniola (DR+Haiti). Most of the beans from Haiti is "criollo". Ask the French, they have come here big time!
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Miguel -
The DR is an unusual case. Not many people know that most ships returning from the New World to Spain stopped in the DR before crossing the Atlantic. Thus, the DR actually has one of the highest instances of genetic diversity in cacao outside of a gene bank and at the place of origin, which appears to be in the Upper Amazon River basin along the modern-day borders of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil.
This diversity works against the notion that 90% of the DR's production is criollos and from personal inspection on visits I would say that true "pure" criollo production is probably on a par with Venezuela and other origins - not so much. The DR grows about 5% of the world's cocoa - but about 70% of the world's organically certified cocoa. It could not reach those levels of production if 90% of it was criollo.
There are dozens if not hundreds of different varieties of cacao in the DR. For classification for export purposes they are divided into two classes (so we don't confuse them with varieties) - and Miguel is right that they are Hispaniola and Sanchez and for the reasons specified.
CONACADO is one of the, if not the, largest independent co-ops on the island. Other sources include Rizek Cacao (which handles the beans coming from Hacienda Elvesia, one of the better known growers on the island) as well as the Roig family. You may also hear names like La Red.
The DR is a great origin for cacao and by working with the various families, growers, and co-ops you will see the depth and breadth of what is on offer. I heartily recommend visiting and seeing for yourself.
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Hi Mark, what I understand is that the Criollo type of cacao was found at first in America, so it is around 90% of total DR production. If you start to look for DR cacao products you might find two varieties:
- Hispaniola (fermented)
- Sanchez (unfermented)
I have direct contact with a very experienced man called Angel Salvador, he is Manager at BIOCAFCAO and also director in CONACADO. If you need me to get you in touch with him just send me a private message. He could get you anything from beans to butter, liquor or powder.
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Hi Miguel, to be honest I do not know anything about the DR source. What I think I am looking for is a National variety, Criollo, raw. It can be powder or paste. The more I read this blog, and follow links, the more I realize it is complicated!
I would be interested in the leads, thank you!
Mack
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Hello Mack, If you are interested in paste (cacao liquor) from Dominican Republic I think I could get you one or two leads, just contact me.
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Wow, this is such good information, thank you Clay. You took a lot of time and energy to write educate me, and I not only appreciate this, I also need it. I can see I have a steep learning curve ahead of me, which is fine, I look forwards to learning.
Its midnight, and I just found a few replies in my junk folder, and pulled them out. I will follow up on the links tomorrow.
Once again, thank you!
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Mack -
What Sebastian is referring to is the fact that even if the package says it's "raw" the chances are exceedingly high that at some point between the time the pod is harvested and the paste is finished, that the cacao has been subjected to temperatures exceeding (104F, 110F, 118F - pick your max temp as there is not universal agreement) for an extended period of time. One place that's suspect that is usually not checked is the instantaneous shear temperature under the grinding mechanism.
One area Sebastian is alluding to is that "raw" chocolate almost certainly has a much heavier microbial load due to the fact that it's never been subjected to temperatures that can kill micro-organisms that have the potential to make people really sick.
Here is one of the more popular articles on raw cacao on TheChocolateLife. The author, Ben Ripple, of Big Tree Farms, is a supplier of "raw" cacao.
You should not expect to purchase raw cacao from a farmer directly. Prices are high(er) because this is a niche market and that will automatically lead to higher prices.
Simplest kind of wrapping is flow-wrap. A decent machine will cost at least $20k. If you want to wrap with foil - then it will cost a lot more. Even if you buy a good used machine for cheap, making it work in production can cost thousands.
Finally, there is no such thing as Criollo Arriba - at least in the sense that you're using high-quality Criollo beans. Arriba is a name given to the typical flavor of Nacional beans from Ecuador. Nacional is a member of the Upper Amazon Forastero grouping. However, if the seller means "criollo" in the linguistic sense - it's Spanish for local, as in comida tipica y criolla, typical native food - then all that means is Arriba beans that are grown here (presumably Ecuador).
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Yes i know they are saying it's raw - i'd urge you to read the forums as it's been thoroughly covered. If there are still questions after doing so, we can cover any new ground.
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Hey Mack,
i recently did some research on the Chocolate Industry due to my studies. I've found this, lets call it dossier...maybe this will help you finding the right way:D
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Thank you Sebastian. I am a bit confused now. I bought raw Criollo Arriba Cacao paste from Bright Earth Foods, says so on the package sitting on my shelf. I just went a double checked it. Am I not understanding something here? I will read more forums.
Cheers!
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
I'd urge you to search the forums for raw chocolate discussions, and read up on them. You're not finding raw liquor for sale as it doesn't exist.
Seeking answers….
Posted in: Make Mine Raw ... (Read-Only)
Hi all,
This is a great forum, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences! I am starting a raw, organic chocolate bar business here is Ashland, Oregon, and am slowly learning whats what.There are such gems of knowledge in this forum, like yesterday I learned that I can start in a domestic kitchen situation. I then called the State, and it looks like my situation qualifies. I was flooded with relief, thank you.
I am really stuck in locating a wholesale source for raw organic Criollo Arriba paste. If you can guide me towards a source I would be so grateful. I have my EIN, city license, etc.
Another question is I don't really have any idea of the going price for wholesale chocolate. I see lots of various forms of cacao for sale on line, but those are all re-sellers in bulk as far as I can see, I really have not seen pricing for wholesale. Can anyone share what kind of price I might anticipate? Am I being naive, and I should expect to buy from the farmer if I want wholesale? What is the norm, if such a think exists?
My last question is can anyone point me towards what is the next next level up from hand wrapping the bar and labels. I visualize that it involves a machine, and that sounds huge and expensive, but what is the most simple and cheap kind of machine?
In thanking you,
Mack
updated by @Mack Ransom: 12/13/24 12:16:49
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
I guess i lucked out on buying it as part of a package! I do remember when I had the electrician installing it, he opened it up and said "That looks expensive." I guess he was right.
Seems like you're not going this route, but for the record, the one i have is nearly silent except for a high pitched noise (like the sound old TV's used to make, but a little bit louder). The selmi vibrating table is much louder by comparison.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
The rotary phase converter is about $600-750 as I recall.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
FYI phase perfects smallest conveyer for 36 amps was $3290 before shipping- ouch!
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Thanks Mike will look into all these this week. One question... How noisy is it. I work about 6 hrs a day so noise could get to me.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Melanie -
If you do decide to go this way - the 10HP machine will work. I don't know the relative pricing.
Mike - thanks for the heads up on these guys. I have not come across them before.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hey Melanie, I've been running my Selmi Plus off a Phase Perfect digital phase converter for two years with no issues. Here's their website: http://www.phaseperfect.com/ Don't know how their prices compare to other brands because I bought mine used. You should have your electrician help you pick out the model that suits your needs.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Which is why I always recommend that my potential FBM customers get an electrician involved to know exactly what the customer has to work with.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
The reason for my question about the exact supply voltage in the new location is that 208V 'single phase' is really two phases of a three phase supply, whereas 240V single phase is a true single phase.
If you have 208V from two legs of a three phase supply, then you can use a transformer to generate the third leg.
-Jon
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
The voltages on the Selmi and FBM machines and others are going to be 208~240VAC 60Hz -- that's 220V +/- 10% --either single or three phase.
FBM handles single-phase power by putting inverters on the motors that need to run in reverse plus changing out components that handle the input voltage from the wall. Some internal components are 60Hz specific. Given what Louise said about Selmi charging 700 to support single phase they are probably doing the same thing.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Jonathan -
We looked into static phase converters as they tend to be less expensive. However, they are not good in situations where the load varies considerably - in the case of a tempering machine, where the cooling compressor kicks in. Now if it were just a melter where the load was more or less constant - then you could use the static converter.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
And to add to my last question: is the voltage in the location that you are moving to 120/240V or 120/208V.
Is the selmi set up for 208V 240V or 480V three phase?
208 and 240 often get confused or are (mistakenly) considered the same thing.
480V is what you would find in a modern industrial facility
240V is what you might find in an old industrial facility
208/120V is what you would find in an office/light industrial facility, because it is a three phase system that gives 120V directly for receptacles and the like.
-Jon
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
I forgot, there is one additional option: a 'static phase converter'. This is electrically similar to a VSD set to fixed frequency with all of the necessary filtering to run a generic three phase load.
Anywhere a rotary converter can be used, a static phase converter can be used.
If in Clay's experience the rotary converter mentioned works with the machine, then that will very likely be the cheapest approach.
However you just added a significant detail. You said that there is 3 phase at the main building where you are located.
What voltage is your Selmi rated for, and what voltage is actually being supplied to your location (both at the main panel and in the space where the machine will be located).
Thanks
Jon
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Thanks Clay that's what I needed the actual phase converter. Weighing the cost of that vs pulling the 3 phase in from the panel on the main bldg.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Melanie -
Your headline is misleading: you don't need to convert from 3-phase to single phase at all. Any 3-phase supply automatically includes single-phase power - it's all in how you take the power off the panel (the number of breakers and wires; single-phase 220V will use three wires and three breakers and 3-phases uses four wires and four breakers).
If the Selmi Plus a 3-phase machine and you're moving to location where there is only single-phase power, then you need a ROTARY phase converter because of the variable nature of the load (e.g., the compressor cycling on and off). I suggest you contact American Rotary ( www.americanrotary.com ). You are going to want to purchase their 10HP (AD10-S) converter. I don't remember the price and I have never quoted shipping to Hawaii. We have several people running these on changing loads with FBM machines for well over a year without any problem. What is a problem is if you order one that's too small. Then some of the issues that John mention may crop up.
From my experience, it is NOT possible to convert a machine that has been shipped from the factory at one electrical configuration to another electrical configuration in the field -- cost effectively, or at all. Even if you could it would require many hours in the hands of an experienced (on Selmi equipment specifically) electrician. In my experience, it is much cheaper to change the external power supplying the machine than to change the power inside the machine.
VSDs will not work for this application because of the control electronics of your machine. If you were directly driving just the motors, maybe. But you're not - the electronics of the Selmi are. You'd need to attach the VSD to the CPU in the Selmi and that's not an option.
Another option for the rotary phase converter is to power a panel instead of directly power a machine. This way you can wire and power more than one 3-phase machine off the same converter. If the combined load is to great (you trip the circuit breaker) then it's easy to switch between the two at the panel. Plus the electrical inspectors prefer this method over running long cords.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
I am in the process of buying a new tempering machine.
I got a quote from Selmi of 700 euros extra to order the Selmi plus in Single phase rather than 3 phase in January.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Before you go down the path of 'synthesizing' 3 phase power from a single phase source, the first thing you should do is contact Selmi and find out how much it would cost to convert the machine for single phase operation. I found a Selmi Plus user manual online, and it shows a couple of three phase motors...but most of the machine is using single phase power. Any heating element can be reconnected for single phase operation, and the control circuits use 24V derived from a single phase converter/transformer (it is not clear to me from the manual if the control is 24V DC or AC).
It may be that Selmi has already designed for an internal single to 3 phase converter to run the motors.
Failing this, there are several approaches to producing 3 phase from single phase; however these all have their issues.
The cleanest (and most expensive) way to produce 3 phase is a 'motor generator set. This is as simple as it sounds. You have a single phase motor that runs off your single phase supply, and drives a generator which produces 3 phase power. This is not really a likely option, but I mention it for background.
A very common mechanical approach is something called a 'rotary phase converter'. This is simply a 3 phase motor with two of its terminals connected to your single phase line. A special starter triggers this motor to turn, and the third terminal of the motor _generates_ the 3rd terminal of the three phase supply. The benefit of the rotary phase converter is that you get clean sinusoidal output, and only part of the power is actually passing through the converter; for a load that only has a portion of 3 phase loading, the bulk of the power can come directly from the single phase supply.
The downside of this is that the output may not be well balanced, which can cause heating issues in motors. Also you have a spinning machine which means mechanical noise, and the need for bearing maintenance.
The final approach is something called a VSD or inverter. These are actually used to control motor speed, but can also be used to convert single phase to 3 phase power. They work by taking their supply power, converting it to DC, and then using electronics to convert the DC to 3 phase AC. The output AC can have arbitrary frequency and voltage, which gives you the ability to control the speed of a three phase motor.
These devices are relatively inexpensive, and have no moving parts. The downside is that the output AC is rich in electrical noise and harmonics. These units are really meant to drive _motors_, not general purpose 3 phase loads. You would almost certainly need additional filtering between the VSD and the Selmi. Because these units are really meant to drive motors, the 'cleanest' approach is an internal VSD that only drives the motors, leaving the rest of the Selmi using single phase power directly.
(A quick aside: if you have a two terminal AC supply, then it is 'single phase'. If you have 3 terminals, then it is 'three phase'. To see why, draw two points on a piece of paper, and connect them with lines...you get a single connecting line. Now draw three points and connect them with lines....you get 3 connecting lines. Since a circuit requires a closed path between the supply terminals, a pair of supply terminals gives you one phase but 3 terminals give you 3 different paths.)
-Jon
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
There are two different type of converters. One is cheaper and VERY loud and puts out a lot of heat. Can't remember much more, but do your research before buying.
Converting from 3 phase to single phase
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
I have a Selmi plus and need to move to a facility where running a 3 phase line is a costly endeavor.i,ve been told I can get a phase converter or possibly switch the motor. Anyone have thoughts or more importantly experience with this?
updated by @Melanie Boudar: 04/11/25 09:27:36
AS / SAN plastic Molds vs PC Molds
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Thanks for your input! I went ahead and ordered three AS plastic molds. We'll see how they perform.Call me crazybut I would never use the same mold for 25 years. Plastic, as I understand, all leaches chemicals to one degree or another, a process I'm led to believe increases with age.It may be urban myth, but I've also heard that in the aftermath of the BPA scandal, if you can call it that, manufacturers rushed to remove BPA from their processes and swapped in other chemicals in this BP series.Anyway, for fun I've gone ahead and ordered one mold made of wood to see if that's a possibility. Yes, wood!
AS / SAN plastic Molds vs PC Molds
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Using ABS is not something I have seenused for chocolate molds. FDA Styrene like HIPS does have a place in the chocolate industry for plaques and packaging but in my opinion does not have the strength to have a useful life in chocolate molding.It's hard to put a Lifeon it but I know manufacturersusing Polycarbonate molds for over 25 years and they still are functioning. I know others who use cheaperPET or rarely Styrene and they crack/replace molds every year.
Regarding the BPA topic. Recent news regarding BPA content in polycarbonate has resulted in somepeople asking for clarification on the topic. We have been watching and researching the topic for some time.At this time, research shows polycarbonate to be safe for use in chocolate molds, and most news regarding BPA is related to baby bottles. Of course everyone has to make their own decision but attached are a few articles that may help clarify the topic for you.
AS / SAN plastic Molds vs PC Molds
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Been shopping for molds.
I've noticed molds in "AS" in addition to the standardpolycarbonate (PC). Anyone have molds made ofAS plastic? If I'm making the connection right, according to Wikipedia , AS is a B short of ABS, which last I checked wasn't food grade or even non-toxic. (That said I did chew no a fair amount of lego as a kid and I'm just fine today lol)
It's interesting because the place I'm seeing the molds sells two versions of just about every shape, cheaper in AS, pricier in PC (22 vs 35, not dollars but you get the idea).
Thanks!
Lee
Edit : I now see this , so maybe even the polycarb molds have BPA, a famous good-times toxin. EWG also says avoid polycarbonate .
Edit 2: I see now that ABS is only "made" of toxic stuff, and is very stable as a finished product. A crylonitrile styrene (AS) or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) is seemingly an equally safe relative. Maybe its time to start looking at these puppies :P
updated by @Lee2: 04/11/25 09:27:36
Chocolatier Bar Maker turns into success, such an inspiring story
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
I liked the article and his bars look good
Chocolatier Bar Maker turns into success, such an inspiring story
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
I was looking for ideas to distribute bars and this article pop up.
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130506/PC05/130509567
This is a excellent story and reflects many of us who want to initiate or are already in the business.
Read in between the lines and you can get many answers and details.Look at the type of shops he distributes to, mostly gourmet shops. That's really great.
I which in my country their would be more fancy stores like this so I can expand more easily.
I will try to distribute to candy shops, gourmet artesanal candies and fancy bakeries with 1oz. bars.
Is someone has any thoughts or want to share any story your are welcome.
updated by @Wannabe Chocolatier: 12/13/24 12:16:07
What is the difference : INNO CONCEPT grinder ICGC C 65 / ECGC 65
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hola, preag and Marinko,wanted to ask if these machines are good and if the company is reliable? thank you
What is the difference : INNO CONCEPT grinder ICGC C 65 / ECGC 65
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Dragi Predrag, javite se kad budete na godinjem, bit e mi drago.
Ja sam u poslu sa zainima 25 godina a sa okoladama 8 godina. Proizvodim od Callebaut couverture a evo planiram poeti i svoj bean to bar. Kudvik-ove maine su kao Mercedes , odline ali skupe, a ove Indijske su kao Yugo45, jeftine ali funkcioniraju, samo sa njima treba malo vie truda. Pogledajte moj web nadalina.hr
lijepi pozdrav
What is the difference : INNO CONCEPT grinder ICGC C 65 / ECGC 65
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Marinko!pozdrav ja slicno razmisljam o takvim masinama.Najbolje sto sam video to je masina od mislim da je Kudvik Rus je to napravio.Nisam procitao tvoju stranicu pa cu to ovih dana to napraviti.Godisnje jednom sam u Rijeci Pa bih zelio da se cujemo I vidimo irazmenimo iskustvo u cokoladi.pozdrav
What is the difference : INNO CONCEPT grinder ICGC C 65 / ECGC 65
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Does anyone have information , what is the difference between the INNO CONCEPT grinder ICGC C-65 (price $ 2,999) and ECGC 65 (price $ 7,400).
I'm talking about models without additional equipment.
Both have the same engine and the same capacity.
updated by @Marinko Biskic: 04/11/25 09:27:36
adding liquor to caramel
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
What about Caramels using Beer? These days it is popular to flavor caramel with beer. Tocreate a caramel candy,When should one add the beer to the recipe? Should one reduce it separately and cook the alcohol off first? I create a soft caramel, but one that we cut and then enrobe.