Nutty
Peanut
peanut butter, roasted legume
Peanut notes in chocolate are earthy and leguminous, ranging from the mild flavor of raw peanuts to the rich, fatty quality of peanut butter. This note is less common in fine chocolate than almond or hazelnut but appears in certain origins and processing styles.
What Causes It
Pyrazines common to roasted legumes and roasted cacao overlap significantly. Certain lower-altitude origins and beans that have undergone heavier roasting can develop this profile. It is sometimes considered a defect in very mild form in fine-flavor chocolate.
Where to Find It
Some West African origins and certain Brazilian beans can show a leguminous, peanut-like quality.