World Chocolate Day
They say that you don’t need a reason to celebrate chocolate. But today, on World Chocolate Day, we have all the reasons to enjoy this delight that has cherished all of us at some point of time. Also known to be stress-buster, relaxant, and aphrodisiacs, they increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. Dark chocolates, in fact, are known to have various health benefits, thanks to the presence of about 70 percent cocoa that comes packed with nutritious antioxidants. So, to make it a memorable chocolate day, today we are going to tell you some really interesting facts related to them which will make you want to grab one right away. Enjoy!
Chocolates are Vegetables
We all know that chocolate is a product of cacao beans that grow in pod-like fruits on tropical cacao trees. Cacao tree is a part of the family Malvaceae, which includes members like okra and cotton. So, technically, one can consider chocolates as vegetables.
White chocolates are not chocolates
To be chocolate, it is important to have cacao, or cocoa, beans, whereas, white chocolates are made using cream or other dairy products and sugar, and contains less than 10 percent of chocolate liqueur.
Prevents tooth decay
Chocolate is good for your teeth. It has antibacterial agents in cocoa beans that tend to inhibit the growth of any bacteria and prevent tooth decay. However, this doesn’t mean you eat chocolate daily.
Cocoa tree is not a joke
You will be surprised to know that it takes about a year for a cocoa tree to produce enough pods to make about 10 small-sized chocolate bars.
Chocolate was used as a currency
The Aztecs loved and valued cacao beans so much that they started using them as currency during the times of civilization.
Cacao trees are immortal
You will also be surprised to know that Cacao trees, which are tropical beauties, may actually live up to 200 years. Interestingly, they produce beans for just 25 years of their lifespan.
First came Hot Chocolate and then Bars
Cocoa was brewed in both Aztec and Mexico; however, it wasn’t anything like the hot chocolate we get nowadays. It was primarily a bitter concoction that was often enjoyed during weddings and other occasions.
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