Are you a chocoholic? Most people are, and it’s no surprise why. In reality, chocolate is one of the most popular flavours in the world. People of all ages and cultures love it. It’s rich, creamy, and comes in various flavours, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. However, it’s not just a delicious treat because chocolate has some interesting facts and history associated with it.
While you may already know plenty about chocolate, there are probably some things that you still aren’t aware of and would be surprised by. Here are seven fascinating chocolate facts to know and share with others:
1) Chocolate Was Utilised as Currency
Chocolate may have been around for centuries, but its purpose was different. Back then, it was used as currency at one point in time. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods, and they used it to buy goods and services. Cacao beans had become so valuable that they were even used to pay taxes.
2) Chocolate Was Known as Bitter Liquid or Liquor
Chocolate was first introduced to Europe during the 16th century, and it was known as bitter liquid or liquor. The word “chocolate” was derived from the Aztec word “xocolatl”, which means “bitter water”. It wasn’t truly until the 18th century that it was sweetened and made into the delicious treat we know and love today.
3) Chocolate Requires 400 Cacao Beans for a Pound
If you’ve ever wondered how many cacao beans are needed to make a pound of chocolate, the answer is 400. It takes around two and a half acres of land to grow enough cacao beans for just one ton of chocolate. From there, the cocoa butter is separated from the cocoa solids, and the chocolate is formed.
4) Milk Chocolate Needed Years of Development
Milk chocolate didn’t exist until the 19th century. Daniel Peter, a Swiss chocolate maker, was the first to successfully add milk to chocolate. He combined milk powder with his chocolate to create a smooth and creamy treat. He had to wait eight years before he could perfect the recipe, but eventually, he was able to make the first milk chocolate bar.
5) White Chocolate Is Debatably Not Chocolate
White chocolate doesn’t contain any cocoa solids and is made mostly from cocoa butter. People argue that it isn’t real chocolate because white chocolate is made from cocoa butter, milk, and sugar. However, it’s still a delicious treat and is made from the same bean as milk and dark chocolate.
6) Chocolate Chip Cookies Were an Accident
In 1930, Ruth Wakefield ran out of baking chocolate while baking cookies. She was out of baker’s chocolate and decided to substitute with a semi-sweet chocolate bar. She expected the chocolate to melt when she baked the cookies, but it didn’t. The chocolate chips stayed intact, and chocolate chip cookies were born.
7) Chocolate Causes Happy Chemicals in the Brain
Chocolate is known to cause the brain to release endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins give people a natural high and make them feel happy. Meanwhile, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. This is why people say that chocolate can be addicting and sometimes consume it as an alternative to caffeine.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply curious about this delicious food, these facts should be of interest. Chocolate is not just a tasty treat but a dessert with a long and interesting history. Perhaps after reading these facts, you will appreciate chocolate even more.
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