From lifting our spirits to bringing people together in enjoyment, chocolate has cast its delightful spell for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations, who prized the cocoa bean for its pleasurable qualities. By the late 1800s, chocolate had captivated tastes globally as production ramped up. The International Chocolate Day is celebrated on September 13th, and therefore, in this blog we invite you to join us on a journey through the enchanting world of chocolate.
About the International Chocolate Day
Mark your calendars for September 13, the glorious International Chocolate Day, a celebration dedicated to the world’s sweetest and most delectable delight – chocolate! This day is recognized as an opportunity to honor Milton S. Hershey, the visionary behind The Hershey Chocolate Company. Whether you’re a fan of dark, milk, or white chocolate, this is a day to treat your taste buds to your preferred chocolate delicacies.
Interesting facts about chocolate
The origins of chocolate date back to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
The 4,000-year history of chocolate traces back to ancient Mesoamerica, present-day Mexico, where the first cacao plants were discovered. The Olmec civilization, among the earliest in Latin America, were pioneers in transforming the cacao plant into chocolate.
Cacao beans were once used as a form of currency.
During the times of the Mayans and Aztecs, chocolate beans held great value and were used as a form of currency. Cocoa beans served as a means of payment for various goods and services, including food, clothing, taxes, gifts, and offerings to their deities.
The Spanish introduced cocoa to Europe.
Christopher Columbus played the pivotal role of introducing cocoa beans to Europe, seizing the opportunity during his fourth voyage in 1502. He and his crew stole a native canoe that contained various goods that they took back to Spain.
The first chocolate bar was molded in 1847.
J.S. Fry & Sons, a prominent British confectionery company, in the 1800s, molded the first portable chocolate bar that was suitable for commercial production, made from sugar, chocolate liquor, and added cocoa butter.
It took eight years to develop the recipe for milk chocolate.
Swiss chocolatier and entrepreneur Daniel Peter spent eight years in search of the perfect milk chocolate recipe. In 1875, he finally discovered that condensed milk held the key to his success. Thank you Daniel for your unwavering determination!
Switzerland is the top consumer of chocolate in the world.
In the world of chocolate, Switzerland reigned supreme, with an astonishing 8.8 kilos of chocolate consumed per person, making it the unrivaled leader in per capita consumption!
White chocolate isn’t really chocolate.
Yes, white chocolate isn’t considered to be chocolate! It doesn’t contain any cacao solids or cacao liquor. This sweet treat is actually made from a blend of cocoa butter, vanilla, and sugar.
Smelling chocolate triggers relaxation.
Did you know that simply smelling chocolate can have a calming effect on your brain? Studies reveal that the aroma of chocolate triggers a specific brain-wave called ‘theta,’ which helps reduce attentiveness.
Chocolate is thought to contain the ‘love-molecule’.
One of the primary suspects behind chocolate’s sensual reputation is phenylethylamine, which is often referred to as the “love molecule.” Scientists believe that phenylethylamine has psychoactive effects that include improvement in mood, antidepressant effects, improved attention, and feelings of euphoria.
Chocolate is good for your teeth.
Chocolate works wonders for your oral health! It has an antibacterial effect on the mouth and Eating pure cocoa has been shown to prevent tooth decay. So why hasn’t anyone come up with chocolate-flavored toothpaste yet?
Best Chocolate Brands
Godiva
Godiva, established in 1926, is a Belgian brand that offers premium chocolates at a reasonable price. Despite being affordable, their gold-wrapped packages give off a luxurious vibe, and each box contains high-quality chocolate. Godiva has a global team of Chefs and Chocolatiers that upholds the brand’s tradition, and it is now available in over 80 countries. Godiva’s chocolate strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, thanks to its use of premium ingredients.
Hershey’s
Hershey, a renowned name in the world of chocolate, has been delighting taste buds for 125 years. From iconic Hershey’s chocolate bars to irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, they have mastered the art of crafting beloved treats. Presently, Hershey encompasses over 90 brands and products, spanning a delectable range of sweets, mints, and snacks.
Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier
For over 20 years, Pierre Marcolini has dedicated himself to perfecting the art of chocolate-making, from bean to bar. His relentless pursuit of excellence drives him to travel the world in search of the rarest cocoa, ensuring the creation of the finest chocolates. At the Pierre Marcolini factory in Brussels, nearly 80 artisans, each with their unique expertise, work diligently to handcraft Maison’s recipes, including ganaches, pralines, and confectionery, following time-honored traditions while constantly refining and updating their creations.
La Maison du Chocolat
La Maison du Chocolat, founded by visionary chocolatier Robert Linx in 1977, has become synonymous with exquisite chocolate creations. With a commitment to sourcing rare and pure cocoa, the brand employs an extraordinary chocolate-making process, meticulously hand-crafting each piece outside Paris. Renowned for its elevated taste and refined flair, La Maison du Chocolat stands among the top-tier brands. If you are seeking a sophisticated gift, a box of their chocolates is the perfect choice, as the complexity and flavor of the chocolate itself shine through, regardless of the delightful combinations such as fruit-infused or nutty varieties.
Neuhaus
If you have a passion for both chocolate and history, Neuhaus might become your ultimate favorite brand. The original Neuhaus shop in Brussels holds the honor of being the place where the world’s first chocolates were created almost a century ago. Established by Jean Neuhaus in 1857, the brand has grown enormously, offering an extensive range of over 60 different shapes and fillings. From praline to gianduja, ganache, and cream, Neuhaus tantalizes taste buds with a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
Lindt
With a history spanning over 170 years, Lindt has dedicated itself to the art of perfecting chocolate. At the heart of every delectable Lindt creation lies the expertise and passion of their skilled master chocolatiers. Hailing from diverse corners of the globe, these artisans collaborate to ensure Lindt’s products remain at the forefront of innovation and excitement.
Forrey & Galland Chocolatier
In the golden era of ‘La Belle Epoque’ in Paris during the 1900s, Forrey & Galland came to life. Originally a haute-couture chocolate house, it has now been reinvented and introduced to the Middle East, carrying its century-old spirit and Parisian essence to the region, where the art of handmade chocolates becomes a reality. By combining French chocolate-making expertise with regional flavors, the brand captivated the region with its exquisite Royal Omani Halwa chocolates, offering a harmonious blend of luxury and local inspiration.
In conclusion, the International Chocolate Day serves as a reminder of the joy that chocolate brings to our lives. From its ancient origins with the Maya and Aztec civilizations to its world popularity today, chocolate has captivated hearts and taste buds. At Joi Gifts, you may find a wide selection of premium chocolate gifts to celebrate this occasion with your loved ones. Happy International Chocolate Day!
