Here are some Yummy Chocolate Facts.

Hmm, my mouth is watering away after saying the word Chocolate. Chocolate has some serious benefits for our body. Literally, chocolate can change our mood. If I say it is the first love of everybody then it won’t be wrong. Why wait! Let’s take a look at some of the yummiest facts about chocolate you probably don’t know.

Chocolate Tree takes years to Grow

Chocolate tree grows slowly. The farmers wait for at least four to five years, to get those brown delicious beans. Once the cocoa tree bear fruit it further take several weeks to ripe.

The Country who first invented Milk Chocolate

In 1875, Daniel Peter created the recipe of chocolate milk. The recipe didn’t succeed in the first attempt. It took more than eight years to find the key ingredient and that ingredient is sweet condensed milk.

The Spanish word for Beans

The Spanish word for cocoa beans is ‘Cacao’.

Chocolate is a fruit or a vegetable

Cocoa tree belong to the plant family Malvaceae. Vegetables like Okra and cotton are members of this family.  So it is clear now that the cocoa beans are actually a kind of vegetable.

Chocolate is costly sweet

It is surprising to know that only 450 grams of chocolate is obtained from more than 400 cocoa beans.

Actual name of Cocoa tree

The actual name of cocoa tree is Theobroma Cacao. This word means the food of Gods. The habitat of cocoa tree is tropical regions of Mesoamerica. Ancient civility of Aztecs were the first who cultivated the Theobroma tree.

Chocolate can make you feel relaxed

Yes, it is scientifically proven fact that eating chocolate causes the release of endorphin hormone which is responsible for calmness. Cortisol is the stress hormone. Eating chocolate on a constant basis suppress its release.

Even the smell of chocolate is so effective that it can give you a mood boost. The ‘Theta Area’ of brain is activated when you smell chocolate, giving you a feel of relaxation.

Caffeine component in chocolate

Some cocoa beans contain caffeine components which give a boost of energy and relaxation to our brain. But intake of large quantity of caffeine can definitely have some side effects on body. Lack of sleep, urination problems, and heart problems all are result of caffeine in body.

Melting Point of Chocolate

Chocolate melts at 32 degree Celsius. The normal human body temperature is 37 degree Celsius which is higher than the melting point of chocolate. That’s why silky, smooth chocolate melts in our mouth.

Why white chocolate is white

White chocolate is not chocolate in real sense. It is mainly consists of cocoa butter, milk, sugar, and small amount of cocoa beans. White chocolate is not that healthy although it contain fats but other important nutrients and minerals are not present in it.

It was once included in Dowry

Well, it is true that some really rich Spanish families used to give chocolate cake as a part of dowry to their daughters.

There are three Kinds of Cocoa bean

Criollo, Trinitario, Forastero are three different kinds of cocoa beans. Forastero is widely used and its plant is easy to grow also. It is one of the most delicious form of chocolate. On the other hand, Criollo cocoa beans are difficult to grow. Trinitario is a combination of both forastero and criollo beans. So, it is sometimes known as hybrid form.

First Chocolate Bar

Probably you didn’t know that the first chocolate bar ever made was in United Kingdom by Cadbury Company. The company itself was established in 1824. But the chocolate bar was never made until 1842 by Joseph Fry.

Other Types of Chocolate

There are two types of chocolates right! But sorry you are wrong because there are four types of chocolate such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, pink chocolate and blond chocolate. Isn’t it interesting?

Cocoa beans were once used as currency

Do you believe on what you have read? Aztecs used cocoa beans as a currency. It is hard to believe that cocoa carries religious importance for Aztecs. The government officials charge cacao seeds as tax from people.

Cocoa butter can use as sun protection

Cocoa butter has greasy texture which provides a protective layer from sun and hence use as sun block. You have seen many times that sun protection creams contain cocoa butter as a prominent ingredient.

Largest producer of Cacao Beans

Africa is the largest producer of cocoa beans. Alone Ivory Coast produce approximately 30 percent chocolate. While other neighboring countries like Ghana, Togo, Nigeria supplies around 1.55 million tons of chocolate in the world.

Total Lifespan of Cocoa Tree

A cocoa tree can live around 100 years. Cacao tree unlike other trees doesn’t require sunlight all the time. They can even grow in shade. Although the life span is quite huge but these trees yield cocoa beans for only 60 years.

Favorite Snack of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French political leader. He was also a military person. On long military campaigns napoleon liked to eat chocolate as a snack to get instant energy.

Dark Chocolate is Cholesterol Free

Probably you don’t know that dark chocolate is completely cholesterol free. It means you can eat chocolate even when you are on cholesterol free diet. Although small amount of cholesterol is present in white chocolate and obviously in milk chocolate due to presence of milk and butter in it.

Don’t give Chocolate to your Dog

Pets love to eat chocolate but sadly chocolate is not good for pets especially for dogs. The reason is dogs can have severe health related problems when they consume chocolate. Such as heart failure, respiratory problems, vomiting etc.

Dark Chocolate is safe for your Teeth as well

We always relate sugar containing products with cavities and teeth problem. But surprisingly chocolate doesn’t harm your teeth as much as you think. Dark chocolate containing little or no sugar content is completely safe for your teeth.

There are researches that proved, dark chocolate stop bacteria from sticking to teeth. Hence, dark chocolate not only tastes good but also prevent teeth from cavities.

Chocolate doesn’t cause Acne

Yes! That’s right. Chocolate and acnes doesn’t has any relation. The American dietary Association proved that eating chocolate has no link with acne. Here you go chocoholics, eat more chocolate.So, if you think removing chocolate from your diet is going to help you in your fight against acne then you are wrong.

What does the word ‘chocolate’ means?

Aztecs used the word “Xocoatl” for bitter water. They used to make cocoa drink with cocoa and water. Because original chocolate taste bitter when dissolve in water. From there the word chocolate originate meaning bitter water.

Myth about Baker’s Chocolate

Chocolate company founded by John Hannon and James Baker was named as Baker’s Chocolate. Many people think that baker’s chocolate is used only for baking but it’s not true. It don’t specify chocolate for baking. It’s just a general term.

Canadian Kids boycotted Chocolate Bar in 1947

On April 25, 1947, chocolate bar prices rose from 5 to 8 cents. A protest started in British Columbia which later on spread across the country. Kids all across Canada boycotted the chocolate bar until the price were brought down. During that strike the sale of chocolate bar was decreased by 80 percent.

Dark Chocolate decreases the risk of Heart Attack

Dark chocolate is such a blessing that eating it can reduce risk of heart failure.

World’s Largest Chocolate Bar

First world’s largest chocolate bar had been made by Thorntons in UK. It weighted 5,792.50 kg. The most recent Guinness World Record is set by Armenia. That chocolate bar weighted 4410 kg. The cocoa beans used in the preparation of this chocolate bar were from Ghana.

Most Famous Chocolate Bars

Snickers is the most popular chocolate bar in the world. Other choco bars like KitKat, Milky Way, teaser comes next in number.

Country Famous for Chocolate

Many of us associate Belgium with chocolate. And that’s right. Belgium has over 15 chocolate factories. There are more chocolate shops than anywhere else in the world. The total number of chocolate shops is 2,000. Belgium is the center for making chocolate.

Dark Chocolate is good for Brain

Another yummy fact about chocolate will definitely impress you. Dark chocolate improves memory. It also has a positive effect on short-term memory. Continuous consumption of dark chocolate helps improve brain functioning. Not only dark chocolate is beneficial for brain but also good for improving blood flow and blood pressure.

Extra Dose of Chocolate can kill you

Chocolate is dangerous to dogs but that doesn’t mean it is completely safe for human. Chocolate contain Theobromine which is a poisonous compound. 10 kilograms of chocolate contain enough amount of theobromine that can kill a human.

Mice love Chocolate more than anything else

In Tom and Jerry show we have seen jerry always running behind cheese. So from our childhood we assume that mice love cheese more than anything else. But in reality mice love sweet things more than anything else. So mice prefer chocolate over cheese.

Wily Wonka and the Chocolate factory

Although the famous film ‘Wily and the Chocolate Factory’ story was based on the book ‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’. But Quaker Oats sponsored this movie. Because they want to promote their candy bar company through this film.

World’s Most Expensive Chocolate Bar

Amedie Porcelana is the most expensive chocolate bar in the world. This chocolate bar belong to Italy. The first name comes from the company. White cocoa beans having porcelain-like color give the second name Porcelena. Academy of Chocolate has given the award of ‘Best Dark Chocolate Bar’ to Amedei Porcelana.

WWII lead to the invention of Nutella

The invention of Nutella in 1940s, was completely accidental. An Italian pastry, Pietro Ferrero, maker mixed hazelnut mixture into chocolate just to increase the quantity of chocolate but it led to the invention of Nutella.

Chocolate chip Cookie

Just like Nutella the invention of chocolate chip cookie is also accidental. The female chef Ruth Wakefield was the owner of Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. She added some chocolate bar pieces into her cookie batter thinking that they will melt during baking. But the chocolate chips remained in the cookies.

Flavor compounds in Chocolate

According to American Chemical Society, there are more than 600 flavor compounds in chocolate which gives it delicious taste. Presence of flavor compounds also give a distinct aroma.

Bean shells when fully ripe converts into flavor precursors like pyrazine and aldehydes. And so chocolate’s smell become appealing.

Inventor of Chocolate Chip Cookie Signed a deal

The person invented the chocolate chip cookie give the secret recipe to Nestle in return for a lifetime supply of chocolate for free. How amazing this deal is?

Cookie Dough Ice-Cream

The invention of cookie dough ice-cream was such a drama. According to Ben and Jerry’s explanation, an anonymous call was received in 1984. A request of converting cookie into ice cream was placed. The company tried hard for at least six years to make the perfect treat.

How Three Musketeers Chocolate Bars turned into Single Bar?

Three Musketeers Bars had three different flavors: strawberry, Vanilla, and Chocolate. But after some time the price of strawberry became unaffordable so the company decided to make single chocolate bars instead of three bars.

Milky Way Chocolate Bars

Milky Way Chocolate bars tastes like the malted milkshake. That’s why the name Milky Way was given to it. It means its name is not after the galaxy.

Real Name of Andes Candies

Andy’s Candy’s was the original name of Andes Candies. Andrew Kanelos named the candies after his name but he changed the name later. He thought that men will not like to give their women candies on another man’s name.

Invention of Chocolate Milk

In 1700s, chocolate milk was invented. An Irish botanist Sir Hans Sloane was served with cocoa mixture by natives in Jamaica. Alone cocoa mixture was hard to drink so Sir Hans added milk in it. From there the delicious drink got invented.

Chocolate Bar can make you force reveal your Personal Information

BBC researches have shown that many people become willing to provide their personal information like birthday, mother names etc. just for a chocolate bar. What will you do if someone ask for your detail information in return for a chocolate bar?

Swiss People are Chocolate Lovers

When it comes to biggest chocolate consumer in the world. Switzerland leaves United States behind. On average Swiss people consume 19.8 pounds of chocolate each year.

M&M’s are Space Snacks

In 1981, M&M’s was the first chocolate candy to make its way to space. Since then these small candies have taken to space for over 100 times.

Chocolate Seller Airport

Brussels Airport is the biggest chocolate selling airport in the world. Hundreds of ton of chocolate is sold here each year. One can easily understand the basis because of the popularity of Belgian chocolates.

Chocolate name after the name of Horse

The famous ‘Mars Candy Company’ owned a horse, snicker. In 1930, the death of horse make them so heartbroken that they named the candy bar after his name.

Bonus Fact

Surprisingly, men eat more chocolate than women.