Le chocolat - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Chocolate is made from the seeds of the cacao tree, which are fermented, dried, roasted, and ground into a paste.
- 2. The cacao tree is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, but is now grown in many countries around the world.
- 3. There are three main types of chocolate: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. Dark chocolate has the highest concentration of cacao, while white chocolate contains no cacao solids.
- 4. Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- 5. Eating chocolate has been linked to several health benefits, including improved heart health, better cognitive function, and a reduced risk of stroke.
- 6. The Aztecs and Mayans were the first to cultivate cacao and consume chocolate in the form of a bitter, spicy drink.
- 7. The first chocolate bar was created in 1847 by Joseph Fry, who mixed cacao powder with sugar and cocoa butter to create a solid chocolate bar.
- 8. The world's largest chocolate bar weighed 5,792.50 kg (12,770 lb 4.48 oz) and was made by Thorntons plc in the UK in 2011.
- 9. Switzerland is known as the "Chocolate Capital of the World" and is home to some of the world's most famous chocolate brands, such as Lindt, Toblerone, and Nestle.
- 10. Chocolate is a popular ingredient in many desserts and confections, such as cakes, cookies, truffles, and hot cocoa. It is also used in savory dishes, such as mole sauce in Mexican cuisine.