last update: June 18th 2013

Gourmet

Martin van Almsick on the world's first camel milk chocolate

by Jacob Korhonen | June 24th 2012 | 09:33 am

Heritage and luxury are in high demand in Dubai, but combination of both is still rare and exciting – like the world's first camel milk chocolate by local chocolatiers Al Nassma. Their artisan chocolate bars, pralinés and cute hollow figures are unique treats, created by a team of international experts who run the manufacture and its own camel farm right outside the bustling gulf metropolis. Al Nassma's general manager Martin van Almsick spills the cocoa beans about the camelicious success story.

Martin van Almsick of Dubai's Al Nassma – the creators of the world's first chocolate made from camel milk

Centurion: What is the challenge of turning camel milk into deluxe chocolate, compared to cow's milk?
Martin van Almsick: For chocolate producers, a low fat content [like that of camel milk] is not ideal. We had to experiment for a long time with our camel milk to get a perfect blend of all ingredients to make it an outstanding chocolate. Our cocoa beans are mild and are roasted in a way that they do not dominate the slight saltiness of the camel milk. After all, the key is to focus on the quality of ingredients and to completely refrain from artificial aromas or low-quality components.

How long did the development process take?
All in all, from the idea to the market launch of our brand, it took the Al Nassma team almost four years to complete all tasks involved and to finalise the recipe in a way that it brought a smile on the faces of even our most demanding team members.

Do you use other special regional ingredients, like spices?
We certainly do. Cardamom, cinnamon or coriander are high ranking on our list. As are regional delights like 'Fustuk Halabi' – pistachios, which for good reason are named after the Syrian city of Aleppo ['Halab' in Arabic], which has been famous for its pistachios for centuries. And we have Arabian coffee fillings, which are my personal favourites.

Al Nassma's Macadamia Praline chocolate, made with camel milk

Only happy camels produce good milk. Since you have your own camel farm, what do you do to keep the mares happy?
Our camels are pampered gastronomes. They get the best hay and grass, love their carrots for dessert, and they are probably the only animals that live in a five-star environment including a spa. We shower them regularly using special soaps, and pedicure is also a normal treatment on our farm. Their gym is a 4km walking trail, and a number of top veterinarians make sure that our camels are in best shape at all times.

How would you describe the taste of your camel milk chocolate?
Al Nassma is slightly minerally in taste and, due to the low fat content of camel milk, it offers a very distinct texture, which is extremely smooth and milky in character. Furthermore, a trace of real vanilla and our acacia honey can be detected. The taste pleasantly lingers at the back of your palate for a long time, and just a few pieces are more than enough to create fine moments of indulgence.

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Sections: Gourmet