World Chocolate Day – the day we’ve all been waiting for

WORLD Chocolate Day is celebrated annually, but we don’t have to wait for July 7 to have a nibble. Every day is the right time for chocolate fans to celebrate the sweet confection.

The history of chocolate

The cacao bean was first processed into chocolate by the Olmec people, one of the earliest inhabitants of South America.

Subsequently, the Mayans made a spiced drink from the cacao beans for special ceremonies, which they called the ‘drink of the gods’.  The Aztec people thought the beans to be so valuable that they were used as a form of currency, and they drank their hot chocolate as an aphrodisiac and for battle preparation.

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Spanish Conquistador, Herman Cortez, was responsible for bringing cacao beans and recipes to Spain in 1519, and from there, chocolate’s popularity spread across the continent. In Europe, the bitter chocolate drink was preferred sweetened, by stirring cinnamon, sugar and other spices into it.

Chocolate houses soon opened in many countries. More dear than coffee houses, they were elite clubs dedicated to serving the prized, hot beverage to the public. The first moulded chocolate bar was produced by chocolatier JS Fry and Sons in the United Kingdom, in 1847.

Where is cocoa grown?

Cacao is the raw version of cocoa. The plant can only grow near the equator, so South Africa is too far south for us to cultivate it here. Cacao beans are grown on the African continent in Cameroon, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Nigeria. These four countries are amongst the top cocoa producers in the world.

What is ethically grown cacao?

Some commercial chocolate brands include palm oil as an ingredient. The cultivation of palm oil can be damaging to the planet and has caused deforestation and irreversible damage to some vitally important biodiverse areas.

Ethically grown and sourced cacao prioritises the protection of the environment and fair treatment of the farmers.

Search the internet to source an ethical chocolate brand available in your area.

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Is chocolate good for you?

The short answer is yes, in small doses.

Cocoa beans that chocolate is made from contain polyphenols. Studies show that these chemical compounds reduce blood pressure, help to keep your blood vessels healthy, reduce inflammation and are anti-oxidants. However, chocolate in its processed form contains very small amounts of polyphenols and due to added sugar, should be eaten in moderation.

How do we celebrate World Chocolate Day?

The best way to celebrate the gift of chocolate is by enjoying some every day with your friends.

As Linda Grayson famously said, “There is nothing better than a friend unless it is a friend with chocolate.”