World Chocolate Day

With all the Amazing Festivities last week celebrating our Nation’s Birthday, it might come as a surprise that just a few days ago the world celebrated another important day. 

While not as grand as the commemoration of America's Independence, I’m certain many fights have broken out because someone tried to take theirs or keep it from them. 😳😩

What could I possibly be talking about? 

Chocolate of course! The universally adored delight. 

Surprising as it may be, July 7th was World Chocolate Day? 

Who knew, right? 🤷‍♂️

My first question is why the heck would the powers that be choose July, the middle of Summer, to be the time of year for an annual celebration of chocolate? 

Hmmm…

Given the summer heat, it takes bravery, or quality oversight, to honor chocolate when its most prone to melting. 😬

Apparently, as of 2009, the annual celebration occurs globally on this day, which some suggest to be the anniversary of the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. Before 1550, chocolate was primarily available in specific countries across South and Central America, such as Mexico.

Now that we’re here, let’s delve into the history of chocolate with some fun facts that that will make your trivia pursuit or Jeopardy game stronger. 

Who ate chocolate first?

It all started in Latin America

Chocolate’s 4,000-year history began in ancient Mesoamerica, present day Mexico. It’s here that the first cacao plants were found.

The Olmec, one of the earliest civilizations in Latin America, were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate. They drank their chocolate during rituals and used it as medicine. Centuries later, the Mayans praised chocolate as the drink of the gods.

By the 15th century, the Aztecs used cocoa beans as currency. Yes! That means chocolate was once money that literally grew on trees.

How cool would that be too literally grow your own currency? 💸

What was chocolate first used as?

Originally consumed as a bitter drink, it was prized as both an aphrodisiac and an energy booster. Mankind's love affair with chocolate stretches back more than five millennia.

Which chocolate is best for brain?

Among the different varieties of chocolate, dark chocolate takes the crown when it comes to benefiting our brain function. Research suggests that consuming high-flavanol cocoa improves blood flow to the brain, leading to enhanced attention, verbal learning, and memory. A study conducted by University of Nottingham researchers in 2012 demonstrated that indulging in dark chocolate increased blood flow to specific brain areas, resulting in improved performance and heightened alertness.

How do people celebrate World Chocolate Day?

By eating chocolate of course! 

So, if reading these fascinating facts has ignited a craving for this glorious delight, rejoice! You're in the right place to embrace the sweet celebration.

Stay sweet and enjoy the chocolate-filled celebration!

Brock

P.S. Next time you and your friends indulge together on dulci sweets, you can drop some of these fun chocolate facts on them. You’re welcome. 😊