International Chocolate Day falls on September 13th would you like to celebrate with us as we give you celebrate this well-loved treat. After making its debut about 4,000 years ago, Chocolate can now be found everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of dark Chocolate, white Chocolate, or hot Chocolate, there’s no denying the taste of Chocolate and who would want to?
Did you know the history of Chocolate can be traced back to 450 B.C., originating from Mesoamerica, present-day Mexico. The word “Chocolate” is derived from the Nahuatl word, “Chocolatl,” meaning “hot Water” and the Aztec word, “Xocoatl,” meaning “bitter Water.”
About 4,000 years ago, the Olmecs began refining Cocoa Beans into Chocolate, which they used as medicine and as part of customary rituals. Centuries later, Chocolate was assimilated into the Mayan culture as a beverage and for concluding important transactions.
Cocoa Beans were once perceived as being so valuable that they were used as a currency by the Aztecs, who believed that the Beans were a gift from the Gods. Its potency was so revered that natives drank Chocolate in preparation for War.
According to legend, Chocolate found its way to Spain in the 16th Century through Hernan Cortes, a Spanish explorer who discovered Cocoa during his journey to the Americas. From then on, Chocolate soon spread to other parts of Europe.
The time-consuming process required to produce Chocolate made it an expensive treat, which was restricted to the upper class. In 1828, however, the Chocolate press was invented by a Dutch chemist called van Houten, eliminating the problem.
The machine was able to squeeze roasted Cocoa Beans in order to obtain the fine Cocoa Powder used to make Chocolate. This not only made Chocolate more accessible to the common man, but also mass production possible.
In the 20th Century, Chocolate is still being enjoyed all over the world, in a wide variety of exciting flavors and formulas. Cocoa is now grown and exported from over fifty Countries, at over 4.7 million tons a year. That’s a whole lotta Chocolate. Isn’t it?
International Chocolate Day Activities
- If you have the opportunity today find a Chocolate house or Chocolatier near you treat yourself to something fancy and to make the adventure more fun take a friend along.
- Today is the day to mix things up a little and purchase a brand of Chocolate you’ve never tried before. With all the Chocolate in the World there has to be some we haven’t tried before. Right?
- Don’t wait until it’s Valentine’s Day to take the opportunity today to show some love today by sending your friend or loved one a box of Chocolates.
Healthy Facts About Chocolate
- When taken in moderation, dark Chocolate is good for your health and can even lower the risk of heart disease.
- Flavonoids in Chocolate can help to improve memory and focus.
- Though Chocolate contains caffeine, it is more potent in Dark Chocolate than in White Chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate contains polyphenols that help fight cavities and tooth decay, as well as prevent mouth odor.
- Research has shown that Chocolate can improve a person’s blood flow.
Why People Love International Chocolate Day
- Chocolate is a versatile delicacy that can be enjoyed in multiple ways which you can relax while sipping some hot Chocolate, snack on a Chocolate Bar, or lap up Chocolate Ice Cream.
- Chocolate has become cross-cultural no, matter whether you live in Timbuktu or Antarctica, you can eat Chocolate.
- Chocolate doesn’t just taste good did you know Chocolate also releases chemicals like dopamine and opioids which positively affect our moods.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
