Here are some quick and fun facts about the wonderful world of chocolate that you can read while enjoying a package of sweets you received by delivery:
- In addition to dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate, in 2017 ruby chocolate was invented – pink chocolate
- The chocolate was discovered in South America where the Aztecs used to grind the cocoa beans and make a bitter drink seasoned with chili that they called "chocoatel"
- Some argue that white chocolate is actually not chocolate because it contains cocoa butter and not cocoa solids or cocoa pulp, so in fact it does not fall under the official definition of chocolate
- Milk chocolate has 100 mg more calcium than dark chocolate
- Finds from the Mexico region indicate the use of cocoa as a foodstuff as of 1250 BC
- Although they came from Central America, today most of the cocoa beans in the world grow in Africa
- The first chocolate chip cookie was created by chance – in the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield, owner of a guest house in Massachusetts, added pieces of broken chocolate to her cookie batter and thought they would melt while baking. This is how she actually invented the chocolate chip cookies
- Mexico's Olmecs were the first civilization to use cocoa beans in 1500 BC
- The scientific name of the cacao tree literally translates to "food of the gods"
- About 20% of all chocolate consumed in the U.S. is dark chocolate
- One cacao tree can produce cocoa seeds for only 8 milk chocolate bars
- July 7th is International Chocolate Day
- Chocolate counteracts the negative effects of sleep deprivation
- Dark chocolate can help you fall asleep faster
- Cocoa is considered the drink of the nobles - the Aztec culture even acquired from the Mayan culture the use of cocoa beans as money
- Studies show that women love chocolate more than men
- About 40% of the world's almond production is made for chocolate making.
- Chocolate can help relieve cough
- Milk chocolate was considered a medicine in Ireland at some time
- One British chocolate scientist insured her taste buds with £1 million
- Napoleon, the legendary ruler of France was an avid fan of chocolate. He demanded that wine and chocolate be available for him and his team of advisors at all times - even during battles!