Each year on February 1st is a day dedicated to honor one of the world’s favorite treats: dark chocolate. This is a luxuriously rich, velvety treat that has been around for centuries. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, dark chocolate is one of the most enjoyed chocolates worldwide. Those who love the savory taste of a melting chocolate filled with essential nutrients and a variety of health benefits, have found their perfect match in the form of a dark chocolate snack. With today being National Dark Chocolate Day, it’s time to celebrate the finely made chocolate sent to us from the cocoa trees.
With National Dark Chocolate Day upon us, chocolatiers, bakeries, and sweet shops are the place to visit as they are swamped with varieties of dark chocolate treats, such as truffle bars, cakes, and hot cocoa. The celebration of dark chocolate however goes beyond its irresistible taste; it also serves to raise awareness.
As more and more research emerges about the positive effects of dark chocolate, it becomes a guilt-free indulgence for those who love the life of sweetness; you can enjoy the amazing gift given while simultaneously receiving valuable nutrients. One of the main reasons dark chocolate is considered so nutritious and a healthier alternative to satisfy a sugar craving is because of its high cocoa content. The higher the cocoa content, the more beneficial. High-quality dark chocolate contains 70-85% cocoa, making it rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Some of the most prominent health benefits of consuming dark chocolate include: heart health, relaxed blood vessels, and improved blood flow. All of these benefits can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease. So protect your health and fight off the enemies with a savory treat, nothing can beat a delicious bar of chocolate.
Although there are newly found health benefits for dark chocolate, the history of dark chocolate dates back thousands of years ago to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. This is where cacao trees, the source of chocolate, originated. The Olmec, Maya, and Aztec cultures revered cacao and used it in various forms, such as for medical purposes. The Mayans were known to have consumed a frothy, bitter beverage made from crushed cacao beans mixed with water and flavored with spices. But, over time through the Columbian exchange, cacao was brought back to Europe, where the Spanish and Europeans added sugar and cinnamon to the bitter treat, beginning the journey of chocolate. From there, it would continue to be cultivated and developed until it became exceedingly popular in the 17th century; by then, chocolate had spread across Europe serving as the starting point for the worldwide love of chocolate.
As advancements continued, the development of chocolate started to improve in taste, texture, and different mixes. The chocolate industry began to expand, with milk-chocolate, semi-sweet chocoalte, dark chocolate, and white chocolate emerging, leaving hundreds of different mouth-watering flavors. Make sure to celebrate this national holiday by buying some chocolate, especially with Valentine’s getting closer!
