All About Chocolate

There are few substances that can claim as fanatical of a following as chocolate, or as wide of a range of products through which its fans can enjoy it. Chocolate in all of its varied forms is one of the most popular substances in the world and at certain points in its history was considered to be more valuable than gold. Even today, when chocolate is readily available at most any grocery store, gas station, or retail outlet, it still carries with it a reputation and notoriety that no other product can match. If you’ve ever wanted to know how chocolate came to be the king of sweets that it is today or where and how to find the best chocolate available, then the information below should be exactly what you’re looking for.

The History of Chocolate

The word “chocolate” is derived from the Aztec Indians of southern Mexico, who began drinking a hot spiced drink made from cacao beans over 2600 years ago. When the Spanish first arrived in the land of the Aztecs and began sending the treasures that they found back to Europe, this chocolate drink made the journey across the sea and became quite popular with the well-to-do in Spain and other parts of western Europe. Chocolate became so popular in some areas that cacao beans were even used as currency. Different variations on the hot chocolate drink created by the Aztecs were made, culminating in the creation of a milk chocolate drink by the physician Hans Sloane in Jamaica in the year 1689. This drink was originally sold by apothecaries, though by the mid-1800’s it was being sold in a more commercial setting by John Cadbury and his brother as an alternative to more indulgent alcoholic drinks which Cadbury felt were the cause of poverty and a variety of other social problems. It was also discovered that adding cocoa butter and other ingredients to the chocolate could create a more solid product, leading to the chocolate candies that are known and loved today.

Chocolate Myths and Rumors

A variety of myths and rumors surround chocolate, casting it as either a wonder drug or a menace depending upon which version of the myths you are listening to. Like most enjoyable foods, chocolate has been claimed to be an aphrodisiac, though much of the reasoning behind this is simply a matter of chocolate being so closely associated with dating and the enjoyment that people receive from eating chocolate. Green-shelled M&M’s have had this claim attached to them specifically, though there is no indication that there is any difference between those candies with green shells and other shell colors. From the other side of the argument, chocolate has been accused of causing acne and other health problems; this is simply untrue, as chocolate contains antioxidants which may actually help to improve the quality of your skin. It should be noted, however, that this only applies to pure chocolate… if there is milk in the chocolate which is eaten, the milk (and not the chocolate itself) can lead to problems with acne and oily skin.

There are also a number of studies about chocolate which are being done to determine whether chocolate has additional health benefits, as it has been shown to help reduce persistent coughs and contains antioxidants which can improve overall health and cardiovascular circulation. The results of these studies are still pending, however.

The Finest Chocolate in the World

There are a wide variety of chocolate products available, ranging from milk chocolate to dark chocolate, as well as white chocolate (which technically isn’t a type of chocolate at all.) The Swiss are reputed to make some of the best chocolate in the world, though a number of chocolate factories all over the world produce luxurious chocolate candies. Often these more exquisite chocolates can be ordered online direct from the manufacturer, and can be found easily by performing an internet search with your preferred online search engine.

The favorites or best chocolates are coming soon as well as these upcoming articles.

Are there any secret chocolate finds worth sharing?  Which countries are know for making the best chocolate.  What is the history of Chocolate.  Are there myths about chocolate or facts about chocolate? How does one order fine chocolate from other parts of the world?