National Chocolate Candy Day Chocolate…this is one such thing which is liked by everyone, whether children or adults. Every piece of it is like a sweet smile that connects hearts and adds sweetness to relationships. Today is America's National Chocolate Candy Day which is celebrated every year on December 28. This day is especially dedicated to chocolate lovers.
Chocolate sometimes speaks louder than words…especially when it comes to expressing friendship or love. When we give chocolate to someone, it is not just a gift, but a feeling. A small gesture that tells us how we feel about the other person. Chocolate is seen as a symbol of love and friendship. Apart from this, there has been a tradition of giving and eating chocolate as gifts on happy occasions.
In the US, National Chocolate Candy Day is celebrated three days after Christmas and the main purpose behind it is to eliminate the large number of candies received as gifts during Christmas. So today is the day to eat chocolate candies to your heart's content. On this day, chocolate oranges and truffles kept in stockings are enjoyed.
The history of chocolate goes back about 4,000 years. Chocolate originated in ancient Mesoamerica, which is today Mexico and Central America. The Olmec civilization (about 2000 BC) first used cocoa seeds. The Olmec people considered cocoa a sacred object and used it on special occasions. When Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés brought cocoa beans to Europe in the 16th century, spices like sugar and cinnamon were added to chocolate to sweeten it and it was presented as a drink. In the 19th century, chocolate began to be produced on a large scale during the Industrial Revolution and became a common commodity. In 1828 Coenraad van Houten separated cocoa butter from cocoa, making chocolate easier and cheaper to produce.
1. It was once a currency : Cocoa beans were used as currency in ancient times. The Maya, Toltec, and Aztec peoples used cocoa beans as currency.
2. Old beliefs about chocolate : In ancient Mexico, chocolate (cocoa) was considered “food of the gods.” In the Aztec and Mayan civilizations it was used as a sacred and important drink, reserved only for the upper class and royal families.
3. Health Benefits: Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains antioxidants and flavonoids, which are beneficial for heart health. It is also helpful in controlling blood pressure and improving mental health.
4. Chocolate and happiness Eating chocolate increases the level of endorphins (hormones of happiness) in our brain, which makes us feel good. This is why we often feel happier and better after eating chocolate.
5. World's most expensive chocolate : Chocolate is no less valuable than gold and silver jewellery. Talking about the most expensive chocolates in the world, some of these names are very famous. La Madeline au Truffle is one of the most expensive chocolates in the world. It is manufactured by a company named Knipschildt. It is approximately $2500 per pound (approximately Rs 2,07,500). The Chocopologie by Knipschildt is about $250 per piece (about Rs. 20,000), the Gold Chocolate by Swiss Chocolatier is about $1.5 million (about Rs. 12,45,00,000) and the Taste of Heaven is about $2500 per pound (about Rs. 2,07,500). ) is sold.
6. Chocolate Festival : There are many festivals and events for chocolate around the world, such as “Brussels Chocolate Week” in Belgium and “Swiss Chocolate Festival” in Switzerland. These events feature chocolate exhibition, tasting and the art of chocolate making.
7. Coco Day Cocoa Day is celebrated in some countries to promote cocoa production. This day is especially meant to recognize the contribution of farmers who cultivate cocoa.
8. World's longest chocolate bar : In 2017, a record was set in Türkiye when a 4.8 kilometers (3 mi) long chocolate bar was created. Thousands of kilograms of chocolate were used to make it and it was recorded in the Guinness World Record. Approximately 200,000 kg of chocolate was used to make this chocolate bar.
