Chocolate- The Most Delicious Sweet — **Chocolate-The Most Delicious Sweet**

Dear friends,

World Chocolate Day gets celebrated each year on the 7th of July. The whole world revels in the celebration for this delicious silky-smooth confectionery, loved by people of all ages. The most wonderful creation of humankind, chocolate, has the power to unite the entire race for its irresistible appeal.

Gorging a bite of chocolate is no longer considered an indulgent behavior. As there are plenty of health benefits if eaten in moderation. So, its consumption is increasing year by year, much to the delight of the buyers, the sellers, and the manufacturers.

History of chocolate:

Chocolate was introduced to Europe in the 1550s. Before that, it was limited to specific regions of south and central America, and Mexico. It was discovered by foreign invaders like the Spanish and then gradually traveled the world over.

In 1519, a Spanish explorer named Herman Cortez was said to have served a chocolate-based drink called ‘Xocolati’ by the Aztec emperor Montezuma. The explorer took the drink back with him to Spain and added sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to improve the taste.

The chocolate traveled to England and France by the 1600s, after the Spanish invasion. The edible solid form of chocolates was created only in the 1800s. Gradually different forms of dishes were prepared the world over.

More information about the chocolate day is given in the link below.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Chocolate_Day

Benefits of chocolate:

Chocolate is perceived to be a fattening indulgence. But that is due to the high sugar content and processing it is attributed to by certain companies. Mindful and moderate consumption can help the body and the mind gain multiple advantages.

Dark chocolate consisting of at least 85℅ cocoa and 15℅ sugar (or sugar alternatives) is considered to be excellent for our health. If consumed twice or thrice a week in moderate amounts, they curb sugar cravings, help control body weight, and aid digestion.

Chocolates act as natural mood enhancers, a few bites of them can make us feel content. They contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Phytochemicals called flavonoids and stimulants called theobromine can help with immunity, heart health, cough, boosting memory and brain function.

Note: If you are a diabetic, always consult your doctor before eating chocolate in any form.

Interesting facts about chocolate:

Chocolate was not just considered a tasty and bitter drink in the Aztec culture, but it was used as a currency too.

A whopping 30℅ of the world’s cocoa is grown in Africa, though the cocoa bean originated in the Amazon.

Scientists have found out that the color of the chocolate has different perceptions. For example, hot chocolate served in an orange-colored cup will taste better.

The other days dedicated to celebrating chocolates are White Chocolate Day (22nd September), Milk Chocolate Day (28th July), Chocolate Covered With Anything Day (16th December), Bittersweet Chocolate Day (10th January), etc.

(Image- Times of India)

The best way to celebrate Chocolate Day is, of course, to enjoy relishing the silky delicacy in any form without any guilt. These days, due to the corona crisis it’s not possible to go to a restaurant. Hence, we can prepare any kind of yummy recipe for chocolate with our family, for example, cakes, pastries, ice cream, pudding, pancakes, and so on.

Some more chocolate-based recipes are given in the link below https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/chocolate-recipes/

By making assorted chocolates at home, we can give them to our friends and loved ones. One can also enhance knowledge about chocolates by knowing about different varieties, storage techniques, and recipes. After all,