Whether you prefer your chocolate dark and acrid or smooth and sweet, we invite you to celebrate World Chocolate Day with us on July 7. The cacao seed, which gives chocolate its distinctively rich flavour, is native to Mexico, South America, and Central America, but has been introduced to the United States and some European nations to meet the high demand for this delicacy. Chocolate always strikes the mark, whether it’s used to coat other candies and nuts, melted over fruit, or shaved over a gourmet dessert. Every day, approximately one billion individuals around the world consume chocolate. In addition to its delicious flavour, it has numerous health benefits. Despite their reputation as a fattening food, chocolate can aid in weight reduction and weight maintenance when consumed in moderation. Moreover, Valentine’s week is upon us, and chocolate is the food of affection.
The background of World Chocolate Day
Established in 2009, World Chocolate Day commemorates the alleged anniversary of this iconic dessert’s 1550 introduction to Europe. On this date, confectionery stores and local vendors offer discounts on their most popular items so that everyone, young and old, can enjoy a tasty treat.
The kernel of the Theobroma Cacao tree is where chocolate originates. Cacao has been cultivated in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America for at least three millennia. Nonetheless, Africa is home to 70% of the world’s cacao plantations. The earliest documented use of cacao seeds dates back to approximately 1100 B.C. The bitter taste of the tree kernels necessitates fermentation to develop the flavour.
In order to create a bar of chocolate, cacao tree seeds are wrapped in banana leaves and allowed to ferment; at this point, they are known as cocoa beans. Once cocoa beans arrive at their processing facility, they are patiently roasted at a low temperature. The next step is to separate the shells from the nibs so that the nibs can be ground into a fine powder known as cocoa liquor, which is simply unprocessed chocolate. Typically, the cocoa mass is liquefied and shaped with or without additional ingredients. This is the territory where chocolate liquor is available. The chocolate liquor is subsequently separated into cocoa butter and cocoa particulates.
This cocoa liquor compound yields the two essential ingredients for chocolate production. Cocoa powder is produced and packaged for grocery store sale so that we can bake the cherished roasted flavour profile into our cakes and cookies, whereas cocoa butter is produced so that chocolate bar manufacturers can use it as an ingredient.
Extensive research has revealed that this edible treasure is a rich source of antioxidants and also improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of cardiac disease. Additionally, it increases serotonin and dopamine levels, thereby enhancing mood. Many individuals are encouraged to consume more dark chocolate due to its health benefits. Numerous treats, including hot chocolate milk, chocolate milk, chocolate cake and brownies, chocolate candy bars, and many others, are produced from chocolate.
Dark chocolate, which most closely resembles its mother seed in flavour, is merely a mixture of cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, and sugar. In addition to these three constituents, milk chocolate also contains a small amount of milk powder. At this juncture, chocolatiers can add flavor-enhancing ingredients such as nuts, salts, and syrups. Once the mixtures have cooled, they are pressed into their respective moulds, wrapped in paper, and dispatched to our favourite stores and confectioneries.
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WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY ACTIVITIES
Host a potluck.
Rarely do we permit ourselves to consume dessert before dinner, let alone substitute dessert for dinner entirely. Reach out to your closest friends in order to organise a chocolate-themed luncheon. Everyone must prepare their best cocoa-based dish and transport it to the party location, where you will all ooh and ahh over the numerous chocolatey treats.
Stock up!
Similar to coffee and wine, chocolate has a distinct subculture based on quality, origin, and processing techniques. Participate in the day’s festivities by visiting your local chocolatier or confectionery shop, where you can partake in such heavenly delights as creating your own chocolate box or dream bar. Once you have stuffed a paper bag to the brim with gourmet treats, enjoy them at home, or smuggle some on your commute; we won’t tell.
Be chocolate-aware.
Learn about the chocolates of the globe. This article and children’s chocolate-themed tales such as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “The Chocolate Touch”, and “Candy’s Chocolate Kingdom” should be read.
5 chocolate facts that will blow your mind
During the Mayan era, cacao seeds served as a form of currency.
Dr. Hans Sloane discovered chocolate milk, which was once sold as medication in Ireland.
The theobromine in chocolate can treat coughs more effectively than cough syrups.
Switzerland is renowned for its chocolate, and the average Swiss consumes 8.8 kilogrammes per year.
The Mayans discovered the first chocolate product, steaming cocoa, approximately 3,000 years ago.
WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 7 | Friday |
| 2024 | July 7 | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 7 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 7 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 7 | Wednesday |
