Chocolate is something that many people take for granted, as our favourites are always available, yet it wasn’t like this in past times. One of the earliest signs of chocolate use goes back to 450 BC, and the Aztecs believed that cocoa seeds were a gift from the gods, prepared only as a drink, chocolate was used much like an aphrodisiac, to give the drinker strength. Here are a few interesting things about chocolate that you probably didn’t know.
- Chocolate was used as a form of currency – The Maya and Aztecs were the first people to cultivate cocoa, it was used as a currency to buy food and clothing. Cocoa was also used to make a special drink that was only served to royalty and special warriors, which was a bitter, sweet tasting mixture. Today, we send family and friends chocolate on special occasions, and there are specialist online suppliers of the very best chocolate that can be personalised, something the recipient will warmly appreciate.
- Chocolate is like a sponge – The experts tell us that chocolate will absorb anything it is near to, so leaving your chocolate open in the fridge might add a cheesy taste. If you want to preserve the original flavours, keep chocolate away from other foods. Re-sealable foil bags are the best containers to keep chocolate in prime condition, cooled, of course. If you search online, you can find personalised Easter hampers and Valentine’s Day selections, and having the recipient’s name added is a lovely touch.
- Melting point – The melting point of chocolate is just below the temperature of the human body, between 86-90F, which is why it seems to melt in your mouth. Obviously, all forms of chocolate should be stored in the fridge, until it is ready to be consumed, and we all know what happens when you leave a bar of chocolate in the car during a hot summer day.
- White chocolate isn’t chocolate – Technically, white chocolate is not chocolate, as it does not have cocoa solids, but it does contain cocoa butter, which gives it a distinctive taste very much different from regular chocolate. Sugar, milk and vanilla are used to create white chocolate, so if you are on a diet, avoid this one. If you are into baking, here is an amazing chocolate cake recipe, which is guaranteed to please.
- The tempering process – This is what gives chocolate its snap, and this process involves raising and lowering the temperature, to make the crystals fall into place, which gives a bar of chocolate that essential snap when you break off a piece. If chocolate is not tempered correctly, it will take on a matte finish that melts very easily.
Every culture around the world incorporates chocolate into their society, and if you would like to brighten up someone’s day, send them personalised chocolate. An online search will take you to a chocolate specialist, where you can order from an extensive menu, and have the gift packaged and sent to the lucky recipient.
