Celebrate world chocolate day
Some like it smooth and sweet, other’s dark and bitter, but no matter your preference we can all celebrate World Chocolate Day on July 7. This day represents the anniversary of the import of cocoa to Europe on July 7, 1550, by Spanish conquistadors after traveling to the Americas. This luxury discovery was a symbol of wealth and power, afforded and consumed only by the Spanish elite.
How is chocolate made? Chocolate is prepared from the fruit of the tropical tree, Theobroma Cacao whose name means “food of the gods” in Greek. What is the difference between cocoa and cacao? The tree, pod, and seed are typically referred to as “cacao,” while the word “cocoa” is reserved for the bean after it has been fermented, dried, and roasted.
How does a fruit turn into a melt-in-your-mouth treat? After cacao beans are fermented to develop flavor, the shells are separated from the nibs, also referred to as the “meat” of the bean. The nibs are finely ground to create cocoa liquor, a paste that creates the two most vital products for chocolate production: cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Cocoa butter is what gives chocolate its luscious “mouthfeel.”
These ingredients allow you to bake a chocolate birthday cake or enjoy creamy chocolate fondue. Dark chocolate has chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, lecithin, sugar and vanilla. Milk chocolate has all the above plus milk fats and milk solids. White chocolate contains everything milk chocolate does except chocolate liquor.
According to the National Confectioners Association, chocolate is the top candy type in the U.S.⎯ shocker, right? Primarily grown in South and Central America, this rich dessert is cherished across the world.
How should you celebrate World Chocolate Day? Treat yourself and stop into Chocolate Storybook for a guilt-free sweet. Shop our wide selection of gourmet chocolates like Milk Chocolate Pecan turtles, Chocolate Caramel Apples and Creamy Dessert Truffles. Browse our selection of Chocolate Specialties or shop our website.