The most interesting facts about chocolate. The history of chocolate

Enjoying the taste of chocolate, few people ask themselves the question: where and how did chocolate appear? Meanwhile, it will be useful for chocoholics to get acquainted with information about the historical homeland of the delicacy, and interesting facts about its appearance.

The history of the origin of cocoa and the creation of chocolate

The history of the appearance of chocolate has more than 3 millennia. So who invented chocolate? The history of the appearance of chocolate dates back to the 17th century. The fruits of cocoa beans were known to the tribes of the American Indians. Then they were used exclusively for the preparation of hot drinks.

A drink based on cocoa beans was prepared with the addition of various herbs and spices. This is how the European H. Columbus recognized him. Then the traveler brought the fruits of cocoa beans to the Spanish monarch. But they did not gain popularity. And all due to the bitter and unusual taste.

The drink and the taste of cocoa beans were tasted by F. Cortes, the viceroy of the king in New Spain. He was so impressed by the unsurpassed taste of the invigorating drink that he decided to plant chocolate trees on his plantations.

Thanks to the work of Cortes, an invigorating drink based on cocoa beans became known throughout Europe. The chocolate drink was so relished that it was drunk in all noble houses. However, mere mortals could not afford such a luxury, due to the fact that the fruits were quite expensive.

Until now, we could only enjoy a fragrant and invigorating drink made from cocoa beans, if it were not for the engineer Konrad van Houten, who patented and invented the so-called hydraulic press in the early 19th century, with which oil was extracted from the fruits of the chocolate tree.

At the end of the 19th century, the first milk chocolate was produced. You can roughly imagine how much the confectionery tile cost. However, with the development of civilization, the process of producing delicacy became more accessible, which made it possible to enjoy chocolate sweets to everyone and everyone.

Today in the world there are several confectionery factories that produce high-quality and elite delicacy. Unfortunately, the composition of modern sweets, which are presented on the shelves of domestic supermarkets, cannot be called either useful or natural. Increasingly, cocoa bean butter is being replaced with cheap counterparts, such as palm or coconut oil. The best chocolate is produced in Mexico, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain.

The history of hot chocolate

It has already been noted above that the first was prepared in Mexico. True, its taste and recipe are not much like modern version preparation of a hot drink, which includes: milk, sugar and cocoa.

In ancient times, the Indians drank the drink exclusively cold. Interestingly, the Indians considered this drink to be healing, since its use had a positive effect on male potency. It is worth noting that the liquid was consumed exclusively by men of noble families.

In 1519, General Cortes of Spain, landed on the coast of Mexico. So, his first acquaintance with bitter drinking chocolate began. The Aztecs treated the general to an invigorating drink, with the addition of vanilla, cinnamon and other spices. Some time later, returning to historical homeland, Cortez told local chefs about the miracle drink. So, the world learned about the existence of hot chocolate, which became one of any drinks for children and adults.

Today there is great amount recipes for making an invigorating drink. Hot chocolate can be based on cream, milk, dark and milk chocolate, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. It's true delicious dessert which will not leave indifferent any chocoholic. Now you know where and how it appeared hot chocolate.

And when did chocolate appear in Russia?

Chocolate stories are literally riddled with fragrant smell cocoa butter. There are still disputes between historians and confectionery lovers: when did chocolate appear on the territory of Russia?

One version says that for the first time the delicacy was brought by Peter I. According to another version, cocoa beans and a recipe for making an invigorating drink were brought by Ambassador Francisco de Miranda, who arrived in Kherson in 1786. Immediately upon arrival, the ambassador was handed over to the favorite of Catherine II, Potemkin.

If you believe the facts, then in the same 1786, the Russian Empress first got acquainted with a fragrant liquid, which is based on the fruits of the chocolate tree. The members of the imperial court were so amazed by the taste of the drink that the empress soon placed an order for the delivery of cocoa. So, the Russian Empire began its first acquaintance with delicacy.

Until the 19th century, the inhabitants of Russia could only enjoy the taste of hot liquid based on the fruits of the chocolate tree. The 19th century can be called the century of chocolate in Russia without exaggeration. You can find the first mention of delicacy in the lines of such great writers as Lermontov, Pushkin and Goncharov. A little more, and the first factories and shops for the production of confectionery will appear on the territory of Russia. The peak of the creation of chocolate factories in Russia came in the 19th century.

The first chocolates and chocolates were not packaged. Confectionery products were sold exclusively in iron or wooden boxes. The first sweets had a limited shelf life and spoiled quickly. A delicacy that only noble people could afford. The history of the appearance of chocolate in Russia is a controversial issue. But do you need facts to enjoy the taste of a treat?

The history of the appearance of solid bitter, milk and white chocolate

The chocolate that has come down to us has passed a lot of tests. But thanks to such a difficult road, we can enjoy unsurpassed taste confectionery.

History of appearance different types chocolate:

1. Bitter. A bitter delicacy, is the ancestor of all types of confectionery, which are based on the fruits of the chocolate tree. For a long time, the delicacy existed simply, like a drink. And only in the 19th century did the world see the first bar of solid chocolate. The composition of sweets included three ingredients: cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Conrad van Houten is to be thanked for the appearance of sweetness.
2. . Experiments with the confectionery continued. The addition of sugar in the 16th century did not bring a positive result, so confectioners tried to further improve the chocolate recipe. In 1870 the first hard milk chocolate bar was made. There was no bitterness in it, and instead of it there was a gentle milky taste. For the appearance of milk chocolate, you should thank Henry Nestle, who added condensed milk to the composition.
3. White The youngest chocolate is white. And indeed, the sweet tooth learned about it only in 1930, thanks to the Nestle company. In the Soviet Union, the delicacy was unknown, so for us it is practically a novelty. The composition of the classic white chocolate includes: grated cocoa, cocoa butter and sugar.

White, milky, bitter - you can buy a delicacy for every day, beating its tastes. And on the shelves of stores, sweet tooth can buy chocolates with dried fruits, nuts and various fillings.

History of development and production of Russian chocolate

The first chocolate magnate was Russian entrepreneur Alexey Ivanovich Abrikosov. It was at the Abrikosov chocolate factory that dried fruits were first produced in chocolate icing. Members of the imperial court liked chocolates so much that in 1900 the factory received a high rank.

It is interesting to know that the confectionery produced at the factory was packed in original boxes, inside of which there were cards and labels, with interesting stories about artists, scientists and musicians.

In the same 1900, the process of production of chocolate products becomes automated. In turn, this has a positive effect on the quantity and quality of products.

Start mass history production of modern chocolate was Moscow confectionery factory"Red October". Historically, Russian sweet teeth have mostly bought milk chocolate. In turn, "Red October" followed the preferences of customers, releasing products based on this type of delicacy.

Today in Russia there are a huge number of confectionery factories for the production of chocolate and other sweets. Fully automated production allows you to significantly expand the range of products. Some of the most popular Russian chocolate factories are:

• "Rot Front";
• concern "Babaevsky";
• confectionery factory named after Krupskaya;
• "Striker".

The history of chocolate in Russia is a fascinating and “appetizing” chocolate journey, which must necessarily end with a bar of your favorite treat.

Looking into any confectionery department, you can easily get confused. The choice of chocolates is very large. And the point is not only in the country of origin, but also in the composition of the confectionery. If you still think that sweetness is based on cocoa beans - unhealthy food, then it's time to get acquainted with interesting facts about chocolates.

1. Most of the raw materials that are needed to make a confectionery product are grown in Africa.
2. Eating a slice of dark chocolate a day, you charge the body with such necessary glucose, without which the "brain" will not fully work.
3. People who are in nervous tension consume 60% more chocolate than those who do not suffer from mood swings.
4. Represented pastry widely used in cosmetology, cooking and during aromatic therapy.
5. Black chocolate is much healthier than other types of treats, which is primarily due to the high content of cocoa beans.
6. Worried about the condition of your skin, and therefore refuse to eat treats? In vain. Scientists do not see a connection between the appearance of a rash and a confection.
7. The composition of chocolate contains aphrodisiacs, which have a positive effect on sexual desire and activity.

So, the history of chocolate dates back more to the 17th century. Initially, our ancestors could enjoy the taste of a chocolate drink. Modern chocoholics are much more fortunate, because before us opens sweet World sweets, bars, chocolates and other confectionery products. But none chocolate story can't end without eating your favorite treat!

Shared

1. "Madeleine" - the most expensive chocolate in the world, created by culinary Fritz Knipschildt from the US state of Connecticut.

2. The Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa once wrote: “Look, there is no other metaphysics in the world like chocolate.”

3. Hershey's produces more than 80 million Kisses daily.

4. English chocolate Factory Cadbury in 1842 produced the first chocolate bar in the world.

5. In the movie Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock used chocolate syrup Bosco to simulate blood in the famous shower scene.

6. Despite the fact that cocoa was first used in Central and South America more than 4,000 years ago, almost 70% of the world's cocoa is now grown in Africa. Côte d'Ivoire is one of the largest producers of cocoa, providing about 40% of the world's supply.

7. Chocolate has traditionally been credited with magical, medicinal and mystical properties. For example, in Latin, cocoa trees are referred to as "Theobroma Cacao", which means "food of the gods."

8. Champagne and a sparkling wine are considered too acidic to be consumed with dark chocolate. Red wine pairs best.

9. According to forecasts from reports, global chocolate sales in 2010 amounted to 83.2 billion dollars, and by 2016 will increase by 15%.

10. The growth time of cocoa trees can reach 200 years, but the fruiting period is only 25 years.

11. Virtually all cocoa trees are within 20 degrees of the equator, with 75% growing within 8 degrees on either side. Places of cultivation of cocoa crops are located in 3 main regions: South and Central America, West Africa and Southeast Asia / Oceania.

12. Each cocoa tree produces about 2.5 thousand beans. It takes about four or five years for the first beans to appear.

13. American chocolate makers use about 3.5 million pounds whole milk every day to make milk chocolate.

14. It takes about 400 cocoa beans to create one pound of chocolate.

15. Approximately 70% of the nearly $500 million earmarked for Easter candy purchases is spent on chocolate.

16. Approximately 71 million pounds chocolates sold before Easter week. Only 48 million pounds during the week of St. Valentine. And finally, 98 million pounds of chocolate candy falls on the last week of October, on the eve of Halloween.

17. Chocolate production has become such a gigantic industry that between 40 and 50 million people around the world are involved in the cultivation and production of cocoa.

18. More than 3.8 million tons of cocoa beans are produced every year.

19. The first people who had a chance to try cocoa were Mokaya and Omelki, who lived in southeastern Mexico around 1000 BC.

20. The word "chocolate" comes from the literature of the Mayan civilization - xocolatl, or "bitter water".

21. Stressed people consume 55% more chocolate than their non-depressed counterparts.

22. Chocolate was one of the first American exports when, in the 16th century, Columbus brought cocoa beans back to Spain with Cortes.

23. The FDA is discussing a proposal to allow candy makers to replace vegetable oil with traditional cocoa butter.

24. It turns out that dark chocolate is much more beneficial for human health than milk, white and other varieties. To be useful, cocoa and chocolate liqueur should be first on the ingredient list, not sugar.

25. Formerly chocolate was intended only for the elite segments of the population, but now it has become available to everyone, due to the technical achievements of industrial evolution. However, once chocolate gained popularity in Europe and America, thousands of people were used as slave labor for cocoa production.

26. Quakers like George Cadbury made a lot of money making drinking chocolate as an alternative to alcohol.

27. In 1875, the Swiss Daniel Peter discovered a method of mixing condensed milk, used by his friend Henry Nestlé, with chocolate to create the first milk chocolate.

28. In 1879, the Swiss Rudolf Lindt discovered conching, which is important process in chocolate processing. He discovered it by accident when his assistant left the car on all night.

29. Researchers have found no connection between acne and chocolate.

30. In fact, German scientists suggest that the flavonoids found in chocolate absorb ultraviolet radiation, which helps protect the skin and increase blood flow, ultimately improving its appearance.

31. The largest chocolate cuckoo clock can be found in Germany.

32. Research shows that dark chocolate improves memory, attention span, reaction time and problem solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain. Studies have also found that dark chocolate helps improve eyesight in countries with poor weather conditions and reduces blood pressure, the decline of which has a good effect on maintaining proper cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity and platelet function.

33. The Maya used chocolate in baptisms and marriages, sometimes instead of blood during ceremonies. When emperors were buried, jars of chocolate were often left next to them.

34. According to the Aztec legend, the god Quetzalcoatl brought cocoa to earth, but was expelled from heaven for helping people. When he ran away, he promised to return one day as "a fair-skinned, bearded man to save the Earth."

35. Ninety percent of modern cocoa is made of a type called forastero (foreign). However, until the 1800s, cocoa was made in the criollo style. Although forastero does not taste as tasty as criollo, it is less expensive to grow.

36. The Catholic Church once interpreted chocolate consumption as equally heretical behavior, including blasphemy, extortion, witchcraft, seduction, as well as racial hatred of Jews.

37. The spread of chocolate from Spain throughout Europe began in the sixteenth century with the expulsion of the Jews from the country, together with Portugal, during the Inquisition. Some Jews who left Spain adopted the Spanish secrets of chocolate processing.

38. During World War II, the Germans developed chocolate-coated explosives. After breaking the outer shell, within seven seconds, an explosion of a thin inner steel bomb occurred.

39. The Germans used chocolate to lure Jews into wagons where cattle used to be transported, for subsequent shipment to concentration camps.

40. The first chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1937 by Ruth Wakefield, CEO of Toll House Inn. The term "Toll House" is currently the official trademark for chocolate chip cookies, which is the most popular in the world and is considered the official cookie of Massachusetts.

41. Switzerland ranks first in terms of chocolate consumption, with 22 pounds of chocolate per person per year. Australia and Ireland remain at £20 and £19 per person, respectively. The United States is in 11th place with £12 per person.

42. Chocolate production is so important to Indonesian cocoa farmers that they built a statue in the form of a pair of hands holding a cocoa tree pod.

43. In the states of Oaxaca and Mexico, healers called curanderos use chocolate in the treatment of certain diseases, such as bronchitis. In some regions, children drink chocolate in the morning to avoid scorpion and bee stings.

44. In 2002, Marshall Field made the largest box of chocolates. It contained over 90,000 mint sweets"Frango" and they weighed 3326 pounds.

45. A study at Indiana University showed that: cyclists who drank milk chocolate after exercise felt less tired and scored much higher in endurance tests than those who drank sports drinks.

46. ​​Hershey's is the largest and oldest chocolate company in the US. It produces over one billion pounds annually chocolate products.

47. In fact, during production white chocolate cocoa is not used solid form and cocoa butter is added.

48. Relying on the Madrid Codex Maya, which shows the gods pouring their blood on the cocoa crop, we dare to think of a close relationship between blood and cocoa in the Meso-American tradition.

49. In the ancient Mayan civilization, people were often sacrificed to guarantee good harvest on cocoa plantations. For starters, the victim would drink a cup of chocolate spiked with blood, which the Maya believed would turn the prisoner's heart into a cocoa bean.

50. Belgium produces 172 thousand tons of chocolate per year. There are more than 2 thousand shops specializing in chocolate products in the country, many of which are located in Brussels, the birthplace of Godiva chocolate.

51. Judging by chemical components cocoa butter, then chocolate is absolutely safe view food, because it melts at a temperature of 34 degrees, which is lower than body temperature. This means that if you put a piece of chocolate on your tongue, it will start to melt.

52. Commercial chocolate usually contains cocoa substances in such small amounts that the sugar included in the composition is addictive for chocolate lovers.

53. Cocoa beans in nature are classified into 300 palatability and 400 flavors.

54. Cocoa has been around for several million years and is probably one of the oldest natural products.

55. Moctezuma Hokoyotzin (Montezuma II) - the 9th Aztec emperor, was one of the richest and most influential people in the world. He was also known as the king of chocolate. The pinnacle of his abilities was the collection and accumulation of almost a billion cocoa beans.

56. Ferdinand, the son of the famous Columbus, once wrote: “When a few cocoa beans fell in front of the Mayan crowd, they all stopped to pick up a handful from the ground, as if an eye fell on the ground.” Columbus, who was looking for a route to India, did not see the full potential of selling cocoa in the markets, and mistook the beans for shriveled almonds.

57. In the Mayan civilization, cocoa beans were the main trading currency, and crafts from them, painted with clay, became almost the most developing industry. All goods were assigned a value in units of cocoa: the cost of a slave was 100 beans, the cost of a prostitute was 10 beans, and the turkey was 20 beans. While the Spanish conquistadors plundered the gold, the Mesoamericans reclaimed the cocoa beans. In parts of Latin America, beans were used as a bargaining chip until the late 19th century.

58. The first mechanical chocolate making machine was made in Barcelona (Spain), in 1870.

59. When English pirates hijacked a Spanish ship loaded with cocoa beans, they set it on fire, thinking the beans were sheep dung.

60. Madame Dubarry, who has a reputation as a nymphomaniac, encouraged her lovers with chocolate treats.

61. Some scholars attribute such a rapidly growing popularity in the construction of chocolate houses in Europe, such as chocolate house on St. James Street in London, with the beginning of the Enlightenment. This drink was already on the table at a time when the great thinkers of the 18th century were already beginning to question ancient truths: the supremacy of the Church, the rights of kings, and the potential for greater understanding between man and woman.

62. One of the mistresses of Louis XV - Madame de Pompadour, was a famous lover of chocolate and used it to treat her sexual dysfunction. The Marquis de Sade, perhaps the world's first sexologist, was also obsessed with chocolate.

63. According to Italian researchers: women who regularly consume chocolate have better sex life, as opposed to those who do not. They had a high level of desire, arousal and satisfaction from sex.

64. One piece of chocolate bar gives a person enough energy to move 150 feet.

65. Americans consume 2,800 million pounds of sweets each year. Nearly half of them are chocolate.

66. Approximately 40% of the almonds produced in the world go to additives for chocolate products.

67. More than 50% of American adults prefer the smell of chocolate to other flavors.

68. Hersey chocolate was found 60 years later in Admiral Richard Byrd's hiding place at the South Pole. Since it lay in the permafrost for many years, it still remained edible.

69. Chocolate was included in the diet of World War II soldiers. According to the confectionery specification, it was to be designed to taste "slightly better than boiled potatoes” so that the soldiers do not eat it too quickly.

70. In one year, up to 3 million tons of cocoa are produced in the world, which is slightly less than half of the coffee crop.

71. Melting chocolate in a person's mouth can lead to a longer "euphoria" effect than kissing.

72. Hershey's Kisses chocolate was first made in 1907 and had the shape of a square. Then, with the advent of a new machine in production in 1921, the structure of the form also changed.

I haven't met people yet who don't like chocolate.

Maybe there are some in your area? Then show them this article and they will love chocolate as much as you.

1. Chocolate is a natural pain reliever

Every time a piece of chocolate enters our stomach, the cocoa it contains causes a small burst of the elixir of happiness into our brain. This is due to the production of additional endorphins (natural opiates) and the activation of the pleasure centers of the brain, which can even lead to a decrease in real pain.

2. Melting a piece of chocolate in your mouth is more pleasurable than a kiss.

In 2007, researchers at the University of Sussex examined the heart rate and brain waves of 20 couples while kissing and then eating chocolate. In all cases, chocolate in the mouth caused a more intense reaction than a foreign tongue!

3. Chocolate makes your skin look younger

German researchers suggest that the flavonoids in chocolate absorb UV light, which could actually help protect skin from aging and increase blood flow. Ultimately, this leads to significant rejuvenation and improvement of your skin.

4. It is a reliable source of energy

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which increase your energy levels. How darker chocolate the more energy you get. And, unlike any energy drinks, chocolate does not lead to a catastrophic drop in energy after a few hours.

5. Eating chocolate used to be condemned by the Catholic Church.

Witchcraft and seduction were seen in the action of chocolate, and its lovers were all considered blasphemers and heretics without exception. There must be something in it, isn't there?

6. You can even smell chocolate

Here in this study, it was proved that even the simple smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves that cause relaxation. Comparing the effect of the smells of different foods, the scientists came to the conclusion that only the vibes of chocolate have a pronounced relaxation effect.

7. Chocolate makes us smarter

A study conducted in 2006 showed that the use of foods that have high content cocoa, after five days, can increase blood flow to the brain, thereby improving its functioning. Therefore, it is not surprising that people in whose diet there is chocolate, think much better and retain clarity of mind longer.

8. Chocolate doesn't harm your teeth.

In 2000, Japanese scientists found that chocolate is less harmful to your dental health than many other sugary foods. This is explained by antibacterial properties cocoa beans compensate for the relatively high sugar levels.

9. In the Mayan civilization, cocoa beans were the currency

The value of goods at that time was expressed in terms of the number of cocoa beans that could be obtained for them. A slave cost 100 beans, a prostitute cost 10 beans, and a turkey cost 20 beans. There were also counterfeiters who made fake beans from colored clay.

10. Chocolate lasts forever (in the right conditions)

A chocolate bar discovered at the site of the legendary Admiral Richard Byrd near the South Pole is very well preserved. Despite the passage of 60 years, it is quite usable.

11 Chocolate Gives Us Superhero Vision

According to a study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior, big piece dark chocolate can help us to better distinguish low-contrast objects. This refers, for example, to cars in bad weather or pedestrians in dark clothes in the evening.

12. Reducing the risk of diabetes

The flavonoids found in cocoa have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.

13. Chocolate Helps You Lose Weight

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that eating dark chocolate makes you feel fuller and helps reduce your intake of other sugary, salty, and fatty foods. Thus, thanks to chocolate, it is much easier to stick healthy eating and shed those extra pounds!

14. Increased libido

According to Italian researchers, women who regularly eat chocolate have a much richer sex life. They have a higher level of attraction, arousal and satisfaction from sex.

What amazing news, isn't it? There is, however, one important detail, which must be taken into account. The thing is, not all chocolate is created equal. Dark chocolate contains twice as many antioxidants as milk chocolate. In addition, dark chocolate gives us fewer calories than milk chocolate, which is higher in saturated fat and calories simply because it contains milk.

If you want to really get the benefits of chocolate, then always choose dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.

Today, July 11, sweet lovers celebrate World Chocolate Day. The holiday was first invented by the French in 1995. Chocolate is one of the most popular and loved foods in the world. For those who cannot imagine their life without delicious treats- We invite you to get acquainted with interesting and useful facts about chocolate.

Useful facts

• Chocolate is good for the heart. People who regularly consume chocolate have a 37% lower risk of heart disease.
• Chocolate improves mood by increasing serotonin in the brain. Research proving that chocolate is also an aphrodisiac continues.
• Chocolate reduces the risk of heart attacks in men by 17%. ABOUT positive effect chocolate has already been mentioned above, but this is the conclusion made by scientists after an experiment in which men ate 63 grams of chocolate per week for 10 years.
• Italian scientists have proven that people who eat a lot of chocolate are less likely to suffer from dementia in old age.
• Chocolate dulls the feeling of hunger. It is enough to eat 10 grams of dark chocolate to make hunger disappear.
• Chocolate lovers live longer. The study proving this has gone on for over 60 years. Eating chocolate regularly can add a year to your life.
• After small portion chocolate, people are better at math problems - this has been proven by scientists from the UK. Many people claim that after a few pieces of chocolate they think better.
• Scientists have proven that a cup of hot chocolate soothes a sore throat and suppresses the cough reflex.
• Statistically, countries where people eat more chocolate have more Nobel Prize winners.
• Stressed people consume 55% more chocolate than their non-depressed counterparts.
• Dark chocolate is much more beneficial for human health than milk, white and other varieties. To be useful to him - cocoa and chocolate liqueur should be first on the list of ingredients, but not sugar.
• The researchers found no connection between acne and chocolate.
• German scientists suggest that the flavonoids found in chocolate absorb ultraviolet radiation, which helps protect the skin and increase blood flow, ultimately improving its appearance.
• Studies have also found that dark chocolate helps improve eyesight in countries with poor weather conditions, and helps lower blood pressure, which is good for maintaining proper cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and platelet function.
• A study at Indiana University found that cyclists who drank milk chocolate after exercise felt less tired and performed much better on endurance tests than those who drank sports drinks.
• According to Italian researchers, women who regularly consume chocolate have a better sex life than those who do not. They had a high level of desire, arousal and satisfaction from sex.
• Dark chocolate is great for fighting high pressure, however, if you drink it with milk, even if you did not eat milk chocolate, everything beneficial features go to "no".

1. Madeleine is the most expensive chocolate in the world, created by culinary specialist Fritz Knipschildt from the US state of Connecticut.
2. Melting chocolate in a person's mouth can lead to a longer "euphoria" effect than kissing.
3. The English chocolate factory Cadbury produced the world's first chocolate bar in 1842.
4. Judging by the chemical components of cocoa butter, chocolate is an absolutely safe type of food, because it melts at a temperature of 34 degrees, which is below body temperature. This means that if you put a piece of chocolate on your tongue, it will start to melt.
5. One of Louis XV's mistresses, Madame de Pompadour, was a famous chocolate lover and used it to treat her sexual dysfunction. The Marquis de Sade, perhaps the world's first sexologist, was also obsessed with chocolate.
6. Chocolate has traditionally been credited with magical, medicinal and mystical properties. For example, in Latin, cocoa trees are referred to as "Theobroma Cacao", which means "food of the gods."
7. The growth time of cocoa trees can reach 200 years, but the fruiting period is only 25 years.
8. In the Mayan civilization, cocoa beans were the main trading currency, and crafts from them, painted with clay, became almost the most developing industry. All goods were assigned a value in units of cocoa. For example, the cost of a slave is 100 beans, the cost of a prostitute is 10 beans, and a turkey is 20 beans.
9. Cocoa has been around for several million years and is probably one of the oldest natural products.
10. Cocoa beans in nature are classified into 300 tastes and 400 aromas.
11. It takes about 400 cocoa beans to create one pound of chocolate.
12. Chocolate production has become such a gigantic industry that between 40 and 50 million people around the world are involved in the cultivation and production of cocoa.
13. The first people who had a chance to taste cocoa were Mokaya and Omelki, who lived in southeastern Mexico around 1000 BC.
14. The word "chocolate" comes from the literature of the Mayan civilization - xocolatl, or "bitter water".
15. Commercial chocolate usually contains cocoa substances in such small amounts that the sugar included in the composition is addictive for chocolate lovers.
16. The largest chocolate cuckoo clock can be found in Germany.
17. The Maya used chocolate in baptisms and marriages, sometimes in place of blood during ceremonies. When emperors were buried, jars of chocolate were often left next to them.
18. During World War II, the Germans developed chocolate-coated explosives.
19. Chocolate production is so important to Indonesian cocoa farmers that they have built a statue of a pair of hands holding a cocoa tree pod.
20. In the states of Oaxaca and Mexico, healers called curanderos use chocolate in the treatment of certain diseases, such as bronchitis. In some regions, children drink chocolate in the morning to avoid scorpion and bee stings.

Little Known Facts

1. There is little real chocolate in chocolate products.

By US standards, milk chocolate should contain only about ten percent grated cocoa, while in semi-sweet chocolate, the content of grated cocoa must be at least thirty-five percent. Milk chocolate, which is made according to slightly different rules, must contain at least twenty percent cocoa butter.

2. Milk chocolate was only recently invented.

The first European invention in the field of chocolate happened in the 18th century and consisted in the removal of about half of the cocoa butter. The rest was crushed and mixed with salts to soften the bitter taste. This chocolate became known as Dutch Cocoa. Milk chocolate was discovered by mixing cocoa powder with sweetened condensed milk. This recipe was invented by a man named Nestle.

3. Chocolate contains a drug called theobromine.

Theobromine is similar to caffeine but has a milder stimulant effect. Preliminary studies have shown that it can also be used in cough suppressants. Although theobromine has long been used in the treatment of blood pressure problems and has been tested for use in the fight against cancer, it can only be used in moderate amounts. High levels of theobromine can cause poisoning, although animals and the elderly are more at risk. Healthy man will have to eat a lot of chocolate in order for his health to be in danger.

4. There is a shortage of chocolate in the world

The world is facing a shortage of chocolate due to serious diseases affecting trees in Latin America, where most of the world's cocoa is produced. On top of that, the demand for chocolate is constantly growing, which makes meeting the demand for chocolate incredibly difficult task. Fortunately, the diseases that affect chocolate production have not spread to Africa. However, these shortages could drive up the retail price of chocolate if farmers can't manage disease. Although trees in Africa are not affected by disease, there have been recent droughts, which further complicates the situation.

5. Cocoa is grown by slaves

Unfortunately, the sweet tooth will have to be upset and made to feel guilty. Have you ever wondered where chocolate comes from? Most chocolate comes from child labour. It is estimated that there are between 56 and 72 million children working on chocolate farms in Africa alone. Often these children are lured to work on farms by fraudulent means, and in some cases they are simply sold into slavery and they have to work on these farms for the rest of their days and serve as a source of enrichment for others. Children who are a little more fortunate live on bananas and corn porridge. Well, those who did not smile at luck are often flogged like animals.

One such child said that he was told that he would earn money and thus be able to help his family, but the only reward he can now count on is a day without being beaten with a bicycle chain or a cocoa tree branch. This child has never tasted the food he spends his life producing. Some suggest buying only those products that are labeled by the Fair Trade organization, but the efforts of this organization are disproportionately small, if they can be noticed at all.

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