G.B. Shaw famously said, “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”
When that food is chocolate, it’s an obsessive passion for many of us. It’s not called the “food of the Gods” without reason. Nothing satiates a sweet tooth like decadent, indulgent, and rich chocolate. No wonder it’s a popular gift to express your love.
Chocolate brings out the child in most of us. It reminds us of our childhood and happy memories. It brings delight and happiness and comfort on days you need some TLC. It’s the most popular confection of all times, yet how much do you know about this beautiful confection that you crave and devour with such deep love?
Let’s get to know this significant part of our lives a little better shall we?
Where does chocolate come from?
We all know the Mayans gave us chocolate, but do you know how chocolate became such a beloved confection? The discovery of the Theobroma Cacao tree by the Europeans introduced the world to the magic of chocolate.
Do you know which European country was the first to experience the delights of cocoa? Do you know who made the first chocolate bar? Before coffee shops, chocolate houses were a popular place to hangout and meet friends. Do you know which city was the first to have a chocolate house? Find out here
When was the first chocolate factory opened? Mars, Hersheys, and Nestle own the majority of chocolate brands in USA. Do you know which bars (other than the namesakes of course) belong to which parent company? Do you know how the Snickers bar gets its name? Did you know that the Milky Way bar in the US is different from its European counterpart?
This infographic has the answers.
The myths and facts about chocolate
Chocolate often gets bad press. We are told to reduce consumption, not just for us, but also for the kids. So, is chocolate really bad for your health?
This infographic reveals the fact-busting myths.
We know mass-produced chocolate is heavily processed and full of unhealthy fats and sugar that make it a dreaded confection, but how do we know the difference in taste and quality between fine (often handmade) chocolates versus the mass-produced ones?
Find out more about fine chocolates.
It is difficult to patiently unwrap a chocolate bar and eat it one piece at a time instead of scoffing the entire bar. However, to fully appreciate and enjoy chocolate, you need to be present and mindful while enjoying the candy-bar. Try chocolate mindfulness meditation to not only experience the complex flavors in a bar but also to unwind, calm down, and relax. You will savor the taste and eat much less.
Which is better for you? White, milk, or dark?
This infographic demystifies this question.
Now that you know dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids is better for you, try and make some simple treats at home. Often, working with chocolate requires you to learn tempering, which is a way to rearrange the cocoa solids and make the chocolate more shiny and easy to work.
Chocolate recipes to fulfill your soul
As the weather turns colder, I look forward to a warm mug of hot chocolate! Heaven.
Check out different ways to add flavor to your hot chocolate with this infographic.
Consider wine pairings when you’re serving up a chocolate dessert at your next soiree. Or you could delight your dinner guests with a delicious cheese and chocolate course instead. Make sure you choose the right wine to pair with it.
Is all this chocolate talk making you hungry? If you cant wait any longer, try our quick fix to brighten your day.
These 3 ingredient recipes keep it fairly simple, plus they’re quick to knock up.
Best places in the world to enjoy chocolate
If you’re like me, you enjoy indulging in chocolate when you are on holiday.
This is the ultimate guide to chocolate bliss. From master chocolatiers to gourmet dining, this infographic highlights some of the best chocolate experiences to be had.
Eat chocolate responsibly
Buy fair-trade chocolate to give the farmers who cultivate cocoa their due. They work tirelessly to bring you cocoa. We need to ensure they get the right prices for it, so that chocolate production is sustainable for the future.
This infographic shows us the real cost of a chocolate bar.
Featured photo credit: Heart to Heart /premier-photo.com via albumarium.com
