The world of hot cross buns is about to get a little more exciting! Brace yourself for a surprising twist in this annual taste test, as we uncover a chocolatey delight that's challenging traditional expectations.
In a bold move, Choice, a consumer advocacy group, has awarded a top score to a hot cross bun that dares to be different. But here's the catch: it's not your typical fruit-filled bun. Instead, it's a chocolate bun that has taken the spotlight in this year's supermarket taste test.
The Woolworths Bakery Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, priced at 73 cents each, achieved an impressive 95% overall score, claiming the top spot in the chocolate category. This score is a testament to its exceptional quality, especially considering Choice's decade-long history of conducting these taste tests.
Brigid Treloar, a culinary taste tester and chocolate judge at the prestigious Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, was blown away by this bun's sensory experience. She described it as a 'trifecta' of chocolate goodness, where the aroma, taste, and appearance all aligned perfectly. But what makes this bun truly remarkable is that it maintained its intense chocolate flavor even when toasted, a feat rarely achieved.
Treloar, along with two other judges, conducted a blind taste test, evaluating the buns based on flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance. She revealed an interesting insight: the height of the bun, or its 'dome', can indicate the moisture and density of its interior. A lower dome often means a drier and denser bun.
The judges didn't stop there. They tasted the buns both fresh and toasted, seeking the perfect crunch. Interestingly, Woolworths' winning bun didn't have the highest chocolate content, but its use of cocoa powder might have been the secret to its success.
Now, for the traditionalists out there, fear not! The traditional fruit bun category also had its shining star. For the second consecutive year, Coles Finest Luxurious Fruit Hot Cross Buns took the top honor with a score of 85%. Treloar attributed this to their generous and varied fruit content and a strong spice aroma, which many other fruit buns lacked.
But wait, there's more! The runner-up in the traditional category, Woolworths Bakery Traditional Fruit Buns, offered a delightful surprise. Scoring 73%, it was almost half the price of the Coles buns, proving that quality doesn't always come with a hefty price tag.
As for gluten-free options, Woolworths dominated again. Their gluten-free fruit and chocolate buns scored 77% and 70%, respectively, and Treloar noted that they resembled 'normal' hot cross buns more than ever before. However, she did detect a slight chemical aroma, which was reduced after toasting.
And this is the part most people miss: the power of toasting! Toasting can transform a bun, enhancing its flavor and texture, as Treloar discovered with the Woolworths gluten-free buns.
But here's where it gets controversial: should hot cross buns stick to tradition, or is there room for innovation? Is a chocolate hot cross bun a delicious twist or a culinary crime? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a tasty debate!
