There might be only 5% of people in the world who do not like chocolate. Rest assured, 95% of people adore this delicacy. Whether decadent white milk chocolate or rich dark chocolate, people love chocolate. People consume chocolate in multiple forms, from eating it straight to making desserts. And each of these forms will put a smile on your face. Furthermore, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and ideal for feeling sad or anxious.
Everyone consumes so much chocolate in their daily lives. But have you stopped to wonder how it came into existence? Or other fun anecdotes about this delectable food. You did not! That’s why this blog is for all chocolate lovers. It has all the facts, from fun to trivia, making you love chocolate even more.
Multiple days are dedicated to chocolate celebrations.
To celebrate such a delicacy, one day is not enough. That’s why people celebrate multiple chocolate days. For instance, July 7 is known as World Chocolate Day, as it was the day when chocolate first came to Europe in 1550 in the 16th century. (Though many people will contradict this.) July 28 is celebrated as National World Chocolate Day, while on September 13th, people celebrate International Chocolate Day. Lastly, there is one more day of celebration, as November 7th is considered national bittersweet chocolate with almonds day.
The biggest consumer of chocolate in the world is Switzerland.
Okay, no doubts here, as Switzerland has some of the best chocolate in the world, namely Lindt. According to research, in 2022, Switzerland will consume 8.8 kilos of chocolate per person. That is a huge number, and it shows why Switzerland is considered the home of the best chocolates in the world. The United States was 19th in number.
White chocolate is not real chocolate.
White chocolate is not real chocolate. It only has roughly 10% cocoa butter and no other parts of the cacao bean. It does not contain chocolate liquor or cocoa solids, making it simply a milk bar with some cocoa butter.
The first treat was hot chocolate.
The first treat that people made using cacao beans was hot chocolate. In Aztec and Mexican cultures, people used cacao beans to brew delicious hot chocolate. However, it was bitter then and used only for weddings or other ceremonies. It was nothing like the hot chocolate you drank today. Try the best hot chocolate recipe for a hot comfort drink now.
Cacao was literal money centuries ago.
Cacao, the plant that gives us chocolate, was used as a currency for paying for goods and services. It was disclosed in the book ‘The True History of Chocolate.” The Mayans and Aztecs considered cacao valuable, even more so than gold.
Chocolate might prevent tooth decay.
Tooth decay is common these days. It happens when bacteria enter the mouth and turn sugar from food into acids. It eats away at the surface of the tooth, leading to cavities. Research says that cocoa beans have antibacterial agents that tend to restrict the growth of such bacteria, preventing tooth decay. For more benefits, it is best to eat dark chocolate, which is rich in cocoa and antioxidants. So, enjoy your favorite Godiva chocolate in rich dark chocolate. However, do not eat chocolate every day.
The first chocolate bar debuted in 1847.
The earliest consumption of chocolate was in drink form. But in 1847, J.S. Fry & Sons, one of the best and biggest British confectionery companies, molded the first chocolate bar perfect for commercial production. It used sugar, chocolate liquor, and cocoa butter. It served as the inspiration for all the chocolate bars that you know and consume today.
The biggest producer of cacao beans is now Africa.
Currently, the biggest supplier of cacao is Africa. It produces 70% of the world’s cacao beans. Cote d’Ivoire is the largest producer of cacao beans, providing at least 30 percent of this stuff.
After reading this blog, how many of you are craving chocolate or a chocolate dessert? If you are, do not wait anymore. Have some, and remember to share these facts with other people who love chocolate equally.
