World Chocolate Day 2016: World Chocolate Day, also known as International Chocolate Day, is marked annually on July 7. Today is International Chocolate Day, which honors one of the world’s most famous foods. People all over the world join in a variety of chocolate-related activities to celebrate the cultural significance, delectable flavors, and long history of this popular treat.
World Chocolate Day provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the varied range of chocolate products available, from traditional favorites to cutting-edge inventions. This day is a happy occasion for chocolate lovers all over the world, whether they are eating a piece of fine chocolate, making homemade chocolate desserts, or learning about the interesting journey of cocoa beans from the farm to the chocolate bar.
History of World Chocolate Day
World Chocolate Day was created in 2009 to commemorate the alleged arrival of the popular treat in Europe in 1550. On this day, candy stores and regional vendors all over the world show their most popular items, giving people of all ages the opportunity to savor this delectable confection.
Chocolate is made from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, which grows mainly in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. Currently, Africa accounts for 70% of world cacao tree cultivation. The earliest known use of cacao seeds dates back at least three millennia or roughly 1100 BC. The taste of these seeds is strong and bitter at first, and they must be fermented to achieve the desired flavor.
Cocoa beans are created by wrapping cacao tree seeds in banana leaves and allowing them to ferment before being used to make chocolate bars. Cocoa beans are slowly roasted at a low temperature in a processing center. The next step is to separate the nibs from the shells. The nibs are ground into a coarse powder known as cocoa liquor or raw chocolate. Chocolate liquor can be made by shaping and liquefying a mass of cocoa, with or without the addition of other ingredients. Chocolate liquor contains two important components: cocoa butter and cocoa solids.
These basic chocolate-making ingredients, derived from cocoa liquor paste, are used to create cocoa powder, which you can buy at the grocery store to add that much-loved roasted flavor to cakes and cookies. Concurrently, a number of companies manufacture cocoa butter for use as an ingredient in chocolate bars.
World Chocolate Day Timeline
From 1500 BC to 300 BC.
The Olmec Indians grew cacao plants.
Cacao was first domestically grown by the Olmec Indians in what is now southern Mexico. The beans are likely transformed into an unsweetened beverage that the rich and privileged consume.
Between 300 BC and 500 AD.
Including Cacao in Maya Culture
As it spread throughout Central America, the cacao tree became an important part of Mayan society. This is possibly the first time the English word “chocolate” appeared. The Mayan word for “tree” was cacahuaquchtl, and the word “bitter water,” xocoatl, most likely refers to the beverage made from cacao beans.
Between 600 and 1000 AD.
South America is seeing growth in cocoa.
Mayans brought cacao plants south, where they built cultivated plantations. Many people now believe the cocoa pod to be a religious symbol, referring to it as “the food of the gods” .
The year 1200 AD
The Aztecs love chocolate.
The Aztecs learned about cacao plants through trade talks with the Mayans, and they adopted the practice of making chocolate drinks with herbs and spices such as chile.
the 1500s
Cocoa leaves make their way into Europe.
Cocoa seeds have become highly valuable in South America, with some even being used as currency. Concurrently, chocolate is brought to Spain by Spanish explorers. They improve its taste by adding vanilla, cane sugar, and other mild spices because they find it bitter.
1657
Opening of the Original Chocolate House.
As chocolate grew in popularity across Europe, the first chocolate shop started in England and sells chocolate drinks.
1765
History of America’s First Chocolate Company
Baker’s Chocolate, America’s first chocolate company, is created.
1830
The creation of solid chocolate
J.S. is a British company. Fry & Sons was the first company to create solid chocolate for consumption.[13]
1868
Chocolate production starts on a large scale.
Following its gift of chocolate to Queen Victoria, Cadbury starts mass-market sales of chocolate candies in England.[14][15]
1875
The introduction of milk chocolate
To begin its adventure, the Nestlé Company presents its newest confection flavor, milk chocolate, in Switzerland. Nestlé eventually hit the top of the global chocolate production rankings.
How to Celebrate World Chocolate Day
Here are some ways to enjoy World Chocolate Day and the wonderful world of chocolate:
Discover new chocolate flavors: Experiment with different flavors and types to broaden your chocolate experience. Try chocolates with different cocoa proportions or unusual combinations like sea salt, caramel, nuts, and spices.
Make chocolate treats in the kitchen:
Use your imagination to come up with some delicious chocolate treats.
Bake cupcakes, cakes, or chocolate cookies.
Pour chocolate over strawberries or drink fresh hot chocolate.
Visit a chocolate factory or shop to watch the incredible process of making chocolate. Discover the interesting history of chocolate while indulging in some tasty samples.
Throw a chocolate-tasting party:
Gather your loved ones and plan a chocolate-tasting event.
Present a variety of chocolates from different makers or areas, contrasting their flavors, textures, and fragrances.
Discuss and rank your best.
Create personalized chocolate gifts for your loved ones to show how much you care. Make your chocolate bark, truffles, or fruit dipped in chocolate to give as personal gifts.
Choose chocolate brands that prioritize fair trade practices and sustainable sourcing to show your support for ethical and sustainable chocolate. Choose chocolates made with high-quality ingredients to support businesses that care about cocoa workers’ well-being.
Spread the love: Show your respect for chocolate by giving chocolate bars, candies, or homemade treats to friends, family, and coworkers. Make people happy this World Chocolate Day.
Why We Love World Chocolate Day
Without question, chocolate has established itself as a staple treat in every country. World Chocolate Day is an international holiday that celebrates the fact that people all over the world love chocolate. A full examination of this culinary treasure shows that it is a powerful antioxidant source that helps to regulate blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also boosts dopamine and serotonin, which improves mood. Many people are suggested to consume more dark chocolate due to its health benefits.
Chocolate can be used to make a variety of famous treats, including hot chocolate milk, chocolate pudding, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, chocolate candy bars, and more. Most people connect chocolate with good times because it combines the indulgence of a special occasion with the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Chocolate-based confections appear to be served at a variety of events, such as reunions, weddings, and birthdays. Chocolate has the power to transport us back to our early years. It makes sense to enjoy the joyful announcement of World Chocolate Day. If you’re as excited as we are, join the party using the hashtag #WorldChocolateDay.
Observing World Chocolate Day
There are so many fun ways to celebrate World Chocolate Day, and we think they are all sweetened! Make chocolate cakes, cookies, or muffins; indulge in a rich chocolate shake; or drizzle chocolate syrup over ice cream.
Use the hashtag #WorldChocolateDay to spread the joy of this event around the world on social media. What are some tasty ways to enjoy this holiday? We know you can, and everyone who reads about this celebration will find their particular way to remember this lovely day. The choices are as boundless as the delectable world of chocolate itself, whether you choose to indulge in your favorite chocolate bar, try a new chocolate dish, or share chocolate treats with friends. Take part in the celebrations and allow the joy that comes with chocolate to improve your World Chocolate Day experience!
Is July 7th World Chocolate Day?
Every year on July 7th, World Chocolate Day allows chocolate lovers around the world to indulge in their favorite treat without any guilt.
Every year on July 7, World Chocolate Day allows chocolate fans across the world the chance to indulge in their favorite dessert guilt-free. This is a day to honor chocolate, but it’s also a day to enjoy all the great dishes produced with chocolate, like brownies, chocolate cake, hot chocolate, chocolate milk, and chocolate candy bars.
The seeds of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree are where chocolate first appeared. For at least three millennia, humans have been growing cocoa, especially in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. Cacao seeds have been utilized for proven reasons since roughly 1100 BC. World Chocolate Day is a wonderful occasion for chocolate lovers to get together and enjoy the variety and rich history of this cherished treat.
Who is Chocolate Day 2023?
World Chocolate Day 2023: World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7 every year around the world. On this day, we celebrate the rich history, superb craftsmanship, and pure joy that chocolate provides to our lives, allowing us to lose ourselves in a world of sweetness and enjoy each delicious taste.
World Chocolate Day 2023: Marked worldwide on July 7, this day is dedicated to appreciating the abundance of chocolate, its incredible history, its superb artistry, and the simple pleasure it offers to our lives. It allows us to relish each beautiful flavor and lose ourselves in a world of bliss. Chocolate is a worldwide sign of enjoyment, excess, and celebration that cuts across cultural differences to bring people together for a shared indulgence.
On this beautiful day, may the joy of chocolate flood your heart and mind. Enjoy every piece, notice each taste, and enjoy a truly pleasant World Chocolate Day!
I’m wishing you a day full of cocoa-infused joy and dreams covered in chocolate. Cheers to World Chocolate Day!
Even if you’re not here with me today, your love is always present, like the cookies you sent. Dear, Happy World Chocolate Day!
May you always be happy with a life as rich and sweet as a great chocolate bar. Cheers to World Chocolate Day!
Why is World Chocolate Day celebrated?
Established in 2009, World Chocolate Day celebrates the supposed anniversary of chocolate’s introduction to Europe in 1550. It is a day when candy stores and local suppliers worldwide offer their best chocolate treats for people of all ages to enjoy.
The celebration of World Chocolate Day remembers the reported arrival of chocolate in Europe in 1550. Candy shops and regional suppliers around the world offer their best chocolate goods on this day, asking people of all ages to join in the festivities.
The seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, which has been grown for generations throughout Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America, are the source of chocolate. Today, Africa leads the globe in the production of cocoa trees. Once fermented, the seeds lose their bitter taste and take on the delightful flavor that is associated with chocolate.
Who declared World Chocolate Day?
The U.S. National Confectioners Association lists 13 September as International Chocolate Day, coinciding with the birth date of Milton S. Hershey (September 13, 1857). Ghana, the second largest producer of cocoa, celebrates Chocolate Day on February 14. In Latvia, World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 11.
Learning about the history of chocolate is a fascinating way to appreciate it better. Latin American indigenous cultures are credited with the origin of chocolate, having begun gathering and producing the cacao plant, often referred to as “kakawa.”
Compared to its early days, chocolate has matured into a much sweeter form that we enjoy today. Back then, people would blend peppers, cacao beans, and pulp to make drinks that were meant to stimulate and fortify their soldiers. It’s important to note that this method gave rise to “hot” chocolate, which was rather peppery and bitter.
Before European explorers arrived in the Americas, experts thought that Mesoamerican cultures had been farming the cocoa plant for thousands of years. When Christopher Columbus met Mayan cacao bean sellers, it is thought that he may have been one of the first Europeans to taste chocolate. Explorers such as Hernan Cortez returned with recipes and cacao beans as early as the 1550s, which helped to make the chocolate we eat today.
Which country is famous for chocolate?
The four top chocolate-producing countries are Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Poland. Belgium is one of the largest producers, and much of the chocolate is still made by hand.
Traveling is only complete with indulging in a piece of delicious delicacy, and these seven nations are regarded for producing the best chocolate.
Belgium
Visiting one of Belgium’s 2,000 chocolate shops is a must-do when visiting the country. Because it is only cooled at the very end of the production process, more of the aroma is kept, making Belgian chocolate special. The fact that most Belgian chocolate is made by hand adds to its somewhat greater price, but it’s a little amount to pay for such a lovely treat!
Switzerland
Swiss chocolate, especially Lindt, is well-known and available everywhere. Even though Switzerland doesn’t have the ideal environment to grow cacao plants, they have perfected the method of creating chocolate. With an average yearly chocolate consumption of nearly 10 kilograms, Switzerland has the largest chocolate consumption per capita.
Ecuador
Nearly 63% of the world’s “Fine Aroma” cacao comes from Ecuador, which is home to some of the best cacao beans in the world. Ecuador has shifted away from exporting cacao and has instead focused on creating its chocolate. Traditional European chocolate makers have been surpassed by brands such as Paraci, which have won several foreign honors.
Britain:
The world-famous brand Cadbury has its roots in the United Kingdom. The Cadbury brothers started off selling drinking chocolate, coffee, and tea in the 1820s. In the 1850s, they delivered chocolate to Queen Victoria, and in 1905, they revealed the legendary Dairy Milk chocolate. They were snacking on a Cadbury Egg or Dairy Milk bar on a cobblestone street in the United Kingdom, despite the fact that Cadbury goods are available everywhere. Gives me another degree of joy.
World Chocolate Day is a celebratory occasion that urges us to revel in the wonder of chocolate. Chocolate maintains a particular place in our hearts and society, from its humble roots to its variety of tastes and beneficial attributes.Â
Let the goodness of chocolate improve your day, whether you eat it by yourself or with others you care about. This food is highly unusual due to its vast past, wide diversity of flavor profiles, and even possible health perks. So, accept the charm of chocolate and revel in its eternal allure by lingering on this wonderful occasion.
Whether you like your chocolate dark, milk, or white, let this decadent treat add coziness and joy to your World Chocolate Day festivities.