Fun Facts About Chocolate You Didn’t Know
Chocolate is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a fascinating subject with a rich history, cultural significance, and even some surprising health benefits. Whether you’re a casual chocolate lover or a true chocoholic, these fun facts about chocolate will make you appreciate this delightful indulgence even more.
Chocolate Was Once Used as Currency
The story begins in Mesoamerica, where cacao tree is native. These civilizations believed that cacao isn’t just a delicious treat but a symbol of wealth, status and luxury. They used to trade beans for food, clothing and tools. Because of their value, cacao beans were carefully cultivated and stored. Cacao beans were perishable unlike today, they needed extra work like to save them from pests. Cacao beans were more valuable than gold and silver.
White Chocolate Isn’t Really Chocolate
Many purists believe that white chocolate isn’t chocolate. To understand it in simple terms first let’s break down what white chocolate actually is. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids, and sometimes vanilla for flavoring. The main reason why white chocolate isn’t considered chocolate is because it lacks cocoa, which is the main ingredient in any chocolate. White chocolate offers a different experience, one that’s sweeter, creamier, and perhaps a little bit misunderstood. But next time if you’re enjoying white chocolate, appreciate it for its own unique and creamy flavor, even if it isn’t exactly chocolate.
Chocolate Was Once a Bitter Beverage
The story of chocolate begins over 3,000 years ago in Mesoamerica, where the Olmecs, one of the earliest civilizations in the region, first discovered the cacao plant. They were the first to turn the seeds of the cacao tree into a drink, though little is known about the exact preparation. They ground roasted cacao beans into a paste and then it was mixed with water. Ingredients like chili peppers, vanilla, and annatto (a natural dye that added a reddish color) were added to the mixture. The result was a frothy, bitter beverage called xocolatl, which literally means “bitter water.”
Chocolate Has Been to Space
When we think of space, what do we imagine? Astronauts floating in zero gravity, rocket launching, etc. But did you know that chocolate, one of Earth’s most beloved treats, has also made its way into the cosmos? Yes, chocolate has been to space and it played a very important role in astronaut’s journey. In the 1960s, NASA scientists were facing a problem related to food in space. They wanted to develop something that isn’t only nutritious and easy to store but they can enjoy too. Among the specially designed foods astronaut John Glenn brought along small cubes and became the first man to take chocolate into space.
Chocolate Can Be Deadly to Dogs
As much as we love chocolate, it’s important to remember that this delicious treat can be dangerous—even deadly—to our canine companions. While we may enjoy chocolate in many forms, it’s crucial to keep it far away from dogs. But why is chocolate toxic to dogs ? It’s because cacao beans contains two specific compounds named theobromine and caffeine. Both of these substances belong to a class of chemicals called methylxanthines. It are easily metabolized by humans but much more slowly by dogs. This can slow the metabolism of a dog which allows toxic level of theobromine to build up in dog’s system which leads to slow poisoning.
Chocolate Was Once Believed to Have Magical Properties
Did you know, the delicious chocolate we cherish today, was once believed to have magical properties? Long before it became a sweet indulgence, chocolate held a sacred and mystical status in ancient cultures. In ancient time chocolate was considered sacred as Maya civilization believed that cacao was discovered by the gods in a mountain of other edible delights. For those civilizations, chocolate was used in worshiping, rituals and ceremonies. Not only this but chocolate was also associated with life and death. Priests would offer chocolate to gods for better harvest and victories in battles. This is one of the most underrated fun facts about chocolate.
Chocolate Has Its Own Holiday
Chocolate Day is celebrated annually on July 7th, a date that some historians believe marks the introduction of chocolate to Europe in the 16th century. There’s no single origin story of chocolate day, this day has gained popularity in recent times to celebrate and enjoy chocolate’s birth. Whether you’re a lover of dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate, this day is all about celebrating and enjoying this delicious treat. This day is a perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite chocolate treats.
There Are Over 50 Types of Chocolate
When you think of chocolate, you might picture dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate. But did you know these are just the basic. Actually, there are over 50 types of chocolate available in the world. Some of them are- ruby chocolate, blonde chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, semisweet chocolate, raw chocolate, compound chocolate, spiced chocolate, fruit-infused chocolate, salted chocolate, vegan chocolate, sugar-free chocolate and couverture chocolate.
There are many more fun facts about chocolates. You don’t know but will get to know soon in our next blog. Stay tuned !!
