New Nib Varieties

Nibs, simply put, are cleaned, roasted, winnowed (to remove the husk) and lightly crushed cacao beans-the raw ingredient for chocolate.

And now, cooking with them couldn't be more fun or flavorful, thanks to Amano Artisan Chocolate, an Orem, Utah-based chocolatier. Amano (which means ‘by hand' in Italian) is offering new nib varieties with origins in five different cocoa-growing regions around the world. Roasted in small batches in Amano's vintage ball roaster, the nibs can be added to trail mix in place of chocolate pieces, incorporated in a mole sauce, used in place of sprinkles on cupcakes or added to bread or scones. They also make a unique gift for someone who likes to cook.

The beans-which hail from Madagascar; the Ocumare Valley in Venezuela; Jembrana, Bali; Barlovento, east of Caracas and Accra; on the coast of Ghana-create nibs with distinct flavor notes varying from hints of dark plum or citrus to nuts and deep chocolate. The six-ounce bags range from $9.95 - $11.95 and can be purchased at www.amanochocolate.com. The company also offers single-origin chocolate bars made from the same beans.-Nicole Denis

Nicole Denis is a regular foodspring.com contributor and is the author of foodspring’s foodie-mom blog.