Chocolate lovers often do not need a reason to enjoy their favourite sweet treat. Chocolate has been consumed for thousands of years, and there is even an international day celebrating when it was first introduced to Europe and all things chocolate. Let’s look at other interesting things you might not know about chocolate.

Interesting things you might not know about chocolate.

There is an official day to celebrate chocolate.

World Chocolate Day is an international celebration of all things chocolate. On 7 July each year, chocolate lovers, manufacturers, and other people in the industry celebrate by indulging in chocolate treats, learning about its history, trying new recipes, or gifting chocolate to others.

Chocolate has been around for centuries.

People native to Mesoamerica harvested chocolate pods but mainly ate the sweet pulp because the seeds were bitter. The Mayans and Aztecs are credited with discovering chocolate, which they used in a bitter form. Chocolate was incorporated into everyday living, consumed with meals, used in religious ceremonies, and as currency.

Dark chocolate has health benefits.

Dark chocolate (cocoa) has polyphenols containing antioxidants. It also has flavonols linked to lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, and heart disease. Products with a high cocoa content contain high levels of flavonol. So, aim to have dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids and little added sugar.

The Dutch Processing and Dutch press changed the industry.

Dutch chemist Coenraad van Houten is credited with developing the “Dutch processing” method, which used a hydraulic press to remove cocoa butter (fat) from cocoa beans. This process, called “Dutching,” resulted in cocoa powder, which is widely used in chocolate products. This method and using the press made chocolate production easier and more affordable.

An American woman made the first chocolate chip cookie.

Ruth Wakefield made the first chocolate chip cookie. Some reports claim that she made the recipe by chance after realising she didn’t have baker’s chocolate to add to her cookies. She ended up using a semi-sweet Nestle chocolate bar in the recipe. She signed an agreement with Nestle, giving the company permission to use her recipe.

Chocolate is often given as a special treat.

Although most people have chocolate when they want it, some special occasions allow people to treat others to various chocolate treats. Some special occasions for having or gifting chocolate include Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and Halloween. Some couples use chocolate as a gesture of affection to help with apologising after an argument in romantic relationships.

Chocolate can be toxic to some pets.

Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs due to theobromine and caffeine, which can increase their heart rates and stimulate their nervous systems. The risk of your cat or dog getting sick depends on their weight and how much they’ve consumed. Chocolate products high in theobromine, like cocoa powder, are the most toxic to these pets. Vomiting, seizures, diarrhoea, restlessness, and tremors are some symptoms associated with chocolate poisoning in pets.

Use Find Yello to search.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these interesting things about chocolate. Whether it’s a chocolate bar or a chocolate-infused treat, you can find businesses that offer chocolate products so you can indulge in its delightful richness and benefits.

Head to www.findyello.com, type chocolates, supermarket, wholesale, or the name of a chocolatier in the search bar and view the listings. You’ll have access to their contact details, including opening hours, website, products, and services. You can also read testimonials and check out other businesses that offer related products and services.

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Sources: Healthline, Simply Chocolate, The Collector, American Kennel Club, and I Am Expat.