#Japan #Osaka #Valentine's Day #Palette d'Or #Japanese Delicacies

Palette d'Or's Unique Chocolate Collections

Chocolatier Palette d'Or, established by Chef Shunsuke Saegusa in 2004, is bringing the richness of Japan's culinary heritage to life through chocolate. As part of their offerings for the upcoming 2026 Valentine's season, the company is launching a series of collection boxes with the theme of "Discovering the Delicacies of Japan". These will be available at various department stores across the country as well as in their directly operated shops.

Emphasis on Japanese Ingredients: "Minori"

The theme of the collection box is the exploration of the abundant flavors found in Japan, especially focusing on local ingredients, referred to as "minori". This collection highlights ingredients sourced from different regions in Japan, such as:

• - White sesame seeds from Kikaijima in Kagoshima
• - Black soybeans from Tanba, Hyogo
• - Adzuki beans from Hokkaido
• - Chestnuts from Kasama, Ibaraki
• - Shinshu walnuts from Nagano

The chocolatiers blend these authentic flavors with their house-made chocolate, crafted precisely from selected cacao beans. The result is a beautifully curated selection that captures the essence of Japan's diverse agricultural bounty.

The domestically farmed white sesame, produced at an astonishingly low self-sufficiency rate of only 0.1%, is gently roasted over an open flame, exuding a remarkable aroma. The chestnuts from Kasama, known for their premium quality, are processed into a sophisticated chocolate with sweet chestnut paste and candied chestnuts—encapsulating all the delightful flavors. The freshly harvested Shinshu walnut enhances the sweet and crunchy textures, while the black soybeans from Tanba are meticulously prepared, combined into the chocolate to create a rich harmony. The Adzuki bean paste, sourced from Hokkaido, is crafted into a ganache featuring a dual layer finish that echoes traditional Japanese sweets.

The collection celebrates the textures as well, with walnut dust, roasted black beans, and the crunch of sesame seeds, making it a delightful experience for the senses.

Product Details

• - Product Name: Japanese Delicacies "Minori"
• - Contents: 5 pieces
• - Price: ¥4,320 (Tax included)
• - Availability: Palette d'Or's Tokyo, Osaka, Ginza (POPUP from February 1), Aoyama, Kiyosato, and online shop.

Featured Ingredients:

• - Adzuki Beans (Hokkaido): The adzuki beans used are from Imamura, known for their exquisite sweetness since 1933, lending the ganache a comforting taste reminiscent of traditional Japanese confections.
• - Walnuts (Nagano): The Shinshu walnuts come from a farm located at the foot of the sacred mountains, offering deep flavor and a satisfying crunch in a creamy white chocolate shell.
• - Chestnuts (Ibaraki): The chestnuts cultivated in volcanic ash soil are known for their rich sweetness and aroma, harmoniously combined with house-made white chocolate to create smooth chocolates.
• - Sesame (Kagoshima): The fragrance-rich white sesame grown in Kikaijima is roasted to perfection, combining beautifully with the rich cacao chocolate.
• - Black Beans (Hyogo): The black soybeans from the historic Odagaki Shop, meticulously selected, add a chewy texture and depth to the chocolate, enhancing the overall experience.

Exploring the World of Japanese Spirits: "Sake"

In addition to the "Minori" collection, Palette d'Or also explores another facet of Japanese flavors—the world of beverages with their "Sake" collection box. This selection allows chocoholics to indulge in five unique chocolates inspired by various alcoholic beverages, including:

• - Shochu from Yakushima, Kagoshima
• - Wine from Yamanashi
• - Whiskey from Hokkaido
• - Sake from Yamaguchi
• - Umeshu (plum wine)

Each chocolate is carefully crafted to accentuate the flavors of the unique ingredients combined with house-made chocolate. For instance, a rich barley shochu from a distillery that has been operating since the Meiji era pairs wonderfully with chocolate, amplifying the exotic flavors.

Product Details

• - Product Name: Japanese Delicacies "Sake"
• - Contents: 5 pieces
• - Price: ¥4,320 (Tax included)
• - Availability: Palette d'Or's stores and selected department stores across Japan.

This season, Palette d'Or is inviting you to explore a chocolate experience that goes beyond mere sweetness to celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that Japan has to offer. Whether you are a local or a traveler, these chocolates present a heartfelt tribute to the land and its agricultural treasures, making it an ideal gift for any chocolate lover this Valentine’s Day.

Brand Overview

Palette d'Or aims to dive deep into the essence of cacao, ensuring every bar tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and community. With five key locations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yamanashi, their artistry continues to evolve, bringing together a fusion of tradition and innovation.

For more information, visit Palette d'Or and connect with them via their Instagram @palet_dor.