How Does CUO Compare With Other Chocolate Classes?
August 8, 2015
Most people just continue eating chocolate instead of ever really tasting it, never realizing why they like the flavor.
The key to understanding the nuances and complex flavors and aromas of great chocolate is simple - training and tasting, guided by an expert in the field.
If you're a chocolate lover and want to take your love for chocolate a step further to learn more, you're probably considering taking chocolate courses.
Well, you're not alone. People love chocolate - making it, tasting it, and learning about it.
There are chocolate courses going on all over the country, but we're going to take a moment to compare some of the popular online-only courses out there, then we'll tell you what Chocolate University Online (CUO) has to offer.
During this research, I took into account any chocolate classes I could find online, that the world wide web deemed popular. Thus, I took to Google and reviewed what showed up on the first page of search results. This is what I found...
Udemy
Have you heard of Udemy? It's an online classroom that allows anyone to be a teacher and provide a course for a variety of topics. They have courses on how to use certain software programs, care for pets, apply make-up, and all sorts of other lessons.
During my research, I found one chocolate tasting course on Udemy, titled Become a Chocolate Connoisseur (Chocolate Tasting Expert), which offers the following:
- 28 minutes of content
- How to host a chocolate tasting party
- The proper etiquette for tasting chocolate
- How to describe chocolate flavors
- Certificate of completion and 30 day money-back guarantee
The price for this course is set at $27. That's certainly a good price for some guidance in the way of chocolate tasting. The course is offered by a young woman who started a chocolate company from her own kitchen, and is now a professional chocolatier.
Ecole Chocolat
Ecole Chocolat's lead instructor founded Au Chocolat in 1981 in Vancouver, B.C. and spent 10 years as a master chocolatier. She set up Ecole Chocolat's intensive chocolate-making programs and chocolate classes to prepare people to find their place in the fine chocolate industry.
Their Professional Chocolatier Program is rooted in experiential education, and includes different opportunities for students to learn, such as online chats, videos, recipe instructions, and case studies.
The program can take 50-120 hours, containing anywhere from 75 to 122 learning activities. The basics are outlined below:
- Chocolate history as a background to current production practices
- Chocolate-making process and techniques
- Taste and attributes of different chocolates
- Gourmet chocolate recipes that you can tailor to your own vision
- Techniques with chocolate molds
- Chocolate-making supply companies
- Chocolate-making equipment suppliers
- Recipe development and production planning
Students are assessed by completion of their assignments, and those scoring 70% or higher receive a certificate of achievement.
Ecole Chocolat's next online program is set for January 8 - April 8, 2016. Unfortunately, classes aren't offered at any given time, which is an inconvenience. Cost is $685, or $830 for added help with developing a business plan for your chocolate business.
Chocolate University Online
Chocolate University Online's online chocolate classes are taught by a professional in the chocolate industry, and are designed to be to the point and easy to digest.
Each class is delivered in your choice of mediums - you can take the lessons online by downloading PDF versions, or listen to them via MP3 downloads, or even have the lessons on CD shipped to you so you can listen in your car.
You're never tested or graded on your homework, but you will receive a certificate for completing the courses. Here's what you'll receive:
- Easy to digest lessons, only 4-7 pages in length and contain nothing but “the good stuff.”
- Sensory evaluation experiments with many lessons.
- Lessons build on information as they go. Help you obtain "chocolate guru" status.
- Chocolate recipes with each lesson
- How to taste and describe the flavors in chocolate
- 3 key elements about chocolate and your health
- Guide to pairing chocolate and wine
- How to recover from chocolate mistakes
Classes can include personal one-on-one coaching to help solve your unique business challenges. There is also coaching available for chocolate lovers and business owners who are not enrolled in CUO classes.
For the added one-on-one attention, join the Primal Chocolate Club and choose from three levels of interaction with our chocolate expert. Clubs range from $27 to $97 per month, with the first week always being only $1 and the option to cancel at any time.
Further your chocolate career or business with Chocolate MasterMind Groups set up by Chocolate University Online.
Each mastermind group consists of 7 members and a Chocolate University Online staff moderator. The group meets on a conference call at the same time each week for 1 hour. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and get feedback from the other members of your mastermind group.
Bouncing ideas and concerns off other chocolate business owners will help you business grow exponentially.
Receive 40 Chocolate Lover lessons for one $97 payment, or pay monthly as you go. These lessons are designed more for people interested in simply broadening their chocolate education, not professionals or large-scale business owners.
The Chocolate Professional package is there to build your credibility and explode your confidence as a chocolate business owner, resulting in more sales. Available for only $497.
Includes option to have printed lessons and audio CD's mailed to you for a real-feel learning experience, and a free CUO logo t-shirt to wear with pride.
There you have it, the online chocolate class offerings that show up most prevalently online. There's one for every price range, and beginner to business levels.
May your love and appreciation for chocolate grow. 🙂
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