Today is International World Chocolate Day. So if you are a chocolate lover then 7^th of July is just another reason to celebrate your love for chocolate and Indulge with your favorite treat 😊

It was on the 7th of July in 1550 that chocolate was first brought to Europe and hence the day to celebrate #worldchocolateday and the first World Chocolate Day was celebrated not too long ago in 2009.

Some ways on how you can celebrate chocolates and world chocolate day either just by yourself but with family too..

• Goodies made from chocolate – basically anything with or covered in chocolate. If you don’t have chocolates but just have Nutella or your favorite chocolate spread at hand.. then go on and celebrate with that too.
• Learn about interesting facts of chocolates from around the world Or a little history of chocolate  Or even types of different chocolates
• If you have kids at home, read them a book about chocolate like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Candy’s Chocolate Kingdom, or The Chocolate Touch.
• Or even watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie
• Or get quizzical with getting your family and friends taking a Guess the chocolate Bar quiz
• How about an online Chocolate Making Course or Online Chocolate Making Course with an Expert for One

Some interesting facts about the origin of chocolate

• Chocolate originated in Mesoamerica and the first fermented chocolate beverage dates back to 450 BC. The origin of the word ‘chocolate’ is from the classical Aztec ‘Nahuatl’ word – Xocolātl (pronounced Sho-KWA-ti) The Aztecs were of the belief that the cacao seeds were a gift from the God of wisdom.
• Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia and grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. The earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds is from around 1100 BC.
• The cacao plant produces a fruit similar to a pod in structure, with each pop containing 20-60 beans surrounded by sticky white pulp. In order to become the final product, it has to go through various steps of processing which include fermentation, drying, roasting and grinding.
• Chocolate was initially consumed only in a drink form and was quite bitter to taste. A drink called ‘Chilate’ was made out of it, once mixed with spices and corn puree. It was believed to give the drinker strength and worked as a powerful aphrodisiac.

And for some fun facts –

• Chocolate was considered an essential ration for the soldiers of the United States in the 20th century.
• 9 out of 10 people love chocolate.
• About 1 billion people eat chocolate every day.

Besides the fact that it’s all chocolatey goodness in a bite or even a mouthful, there are some great health benefits too. You have got to try and stay away from the surgery ones though and go in for the healthy chocolate options

• Chocolate increases serotonin and dopamine levels, which helps to boost your feel-good mood, so if your feeling a little low and need a mood booster then you know what to reach out for.
• Dark chocolate with a min of 70% cocoa can also be especially good for you. Dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants, plus it helps to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease… and much more. That’s some good health benefits hey!
• For more benefits of dark chocolate- click here

Our relationship with chocolate…

• As part of our Carbon emissions offset, Buyagift has since 2009 been partnering with and supporting Cool Earth to protect the Asháninka communities in Peru
• Cool Earth’s Asháninka partnership is located across the Ene Valley. It is one of the biggest coca-growing areas in Peru

Chocolate experiences In the UK  – Chocolate Making experiences from Buyagift & Chocolate Making & Tasting Experiences from Red Letter Days

Experiences in France , Experiences in Spain

Chocolarder – Craft Chocolate makers in Cornwall, has a chocolate made of the cocoa that is directly sourced from the cocoa plantations in Asháninka communities

Whether you prefer hot cocoa drinks, dark chocolate bars, gooey brownies or truffle cakes, chocolate provides something for everyone. From time to time, I love a little bit of dark chocolate with ginger snap.  

So, what’s your favourite chocolate treat? go on and share your likes in the comment section below.