World Chocolate Day (11/07)

Every year on July 11, sweet lovers celebrate World Chocolate Day. This delicious holiday was invented and first held by the French in 1995.

There is an opinion that the Aztecs were the first to learn how to make chocolate. They called it «food of the gods» (this is how the name of the chocolate tree Theobroma cacao, on which cocoa beans grow, is translated from Latin). The Spanish conquistadors, who brought it to Europe for the first time, dubbed the delicacy «black gold» and used it to strengthen physical strength and endurance. Not only noble hidalgos, but also Jesuit monks became interested in the new drink.

But the characteristic bitterness prevented me from enjoying the cold drink, and when rubbing with grated beans, honey began to be added to it, and vanilla began to be added for a pleasant aroma, and a little later a drink with anise and cinnamon appeared. And for better solubility, the Spaniards decided to serve the drink hot — so they came to hot chocolate.

Somewhat later, chocolate consumption in Europe was limited only to aristocratic circles. Only at the beginning of the 20th century, with the advent of industrial production, people outside the aristocracy were able to enjoy chocolate. Chocolate appeared in Russia under Peter I. The story says that the king brought it from the West along with coffee.

Prominent women considered chocolate an aphrodisiac. Thus, Mother Teresa had a passion for chocolate, and Mrs. Pompadour was sure that only chocolate could kindle the fire of passion.

This delicacy can improve the mood of the majority of the world's population (Photo: Julien Tromeur, licensed from Shutterstock.com)

As established by modern science, chocolate has elements that promote rest and psychological recovery. Dark varieties of chocolate stimulate the release of endorphins — happiness hormones, which affect the center of pleasure, improve mood and maintain body tone.

There is also a hypothesis according to which chocolate has a «anti-cancer» effect and is able to slow down the aging process. But what scientists are unanimous about is the denial of chocolate's ability to reduce body weight! After all, it is well known that chocolate is rich in nutrients, including fats, and therefore calories. However, they also do not argue that this delicacy can improve the mood of the majority of the world's population.

On Chocolate Day itself, festivals and other events dedicated to this sweet holiday are held in different countries. It is especially interesting to visit factories, factories or confectionery shops that produce chocolate and its derivatives on this day. It is here that everyone is told how and what chocolate is made from, all kinds of competitions and tastings, exhibitions of chocolate works and even master classes are held where they can try themselves as a chocolatier.



• Infographics – poster «July 11 — World Chocolate Day» • Articles: «Chocolate is different from chocolate –: the healthiest chocolate and how to make it yourself» « "Smor" and sweet fruits for Chocolate Day» • Story «Chocolate Flavored Investigation»

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