
Chocolate coffee beans
Chocolates, who does not like them? There are several varieties and one just can not have enough! All special occasions in life call for a huge chocolate devoted celebration! Chocolates for all occasions in life, suited perfectly for bitter and sweet experiences of life! Eating chocolates, drinking hot chocolate are neat options that may actually be considered sinful!!!
History of Chocolate
Chocolate was first recognized in the Mayan civilization, with the discovery of the cacao tree around that time in the rainforests of America. In Mexico, the actual cultivation of cocoa crops resulted in the preparation of chocolates. Don Cotes commercialized chocolates by introducing the Europeans to cocoa beans. There are various myths surrounding the origin of chocolates, with some believing that the discovery of cocoa trees was actually divine. It slowly gained a foothold in Spain, England and other countries.
Whatever the history of chocolates, all chocolate lovers are thankful that it was discovered, which way hardly matters as long as it can be enjoyed!
Chocolate is derived from the beans of the Theobroma cacao tree but it can not be directly used. It is vigorously processed before it becomes smooth and sweet, the way we know it and like it. It is easily affected by change in temperature and the texture and finesse has to be maintained till the final product is ready. It can be used to make a wide variety of food items like cakes, fondues, soufflé, truffles, ice creams and other mouth watering delicacies.
About Theobroma
Theobromine is a methylxanthine occurring naturally in cocoa, tea and coffee plants. It is found primarily in cocoa beans. Since theobromine occurs naturally in cocoa beans, it is present in all chocolate products. The amount of theobromine varies according to the type of the chocolate. Milk chocolate contains less theobromine than other varieties of chocolate. Theobroma does not stimulate the central nervous system like caffeine does.
Let us look at the basic variety that we have in chocolates, listed below. Of course, there are many other varieties.
Dark Bitter Chocolate: Just like the name suggests its dark and bitter. No sweeteners but many people enjoy the flavour.
Bittersweet: This is a semi-sweetened variety. Contains chocolate liquor and is made from processed cocoa beans.
Semi sweet chocolate: This is generally used for cooking and has very low sugar content.
Unsweetened Chocolate: It is a variety which does not contain sugar at all and can hardly be eaten alone.
Milk Chocolate: This is a popular variety of chocolate, requires very little cocoa and is generally found in energy bars and desserts.
White Chocolate: It is made of very little cocoa and loads of milk fats and solids. Will make you put on extra pounds!
You can devour chocolates in various forms like toffee, fruit flavours like raspberry, orange, dark chocolate, hazelnut chocolate, milk bars, coffee flavoured chocolates like mocha, black forest, cinnamon and clove, ginger, truffles, coconut flavoured chocolates, and a whole host of other chocolates.
People with diabetes can also enjoy chocolates like the others. How? Here’s how.
There are special chocolates for diabetic people.
Chocolates for Diabetics
The sweetener used in making chocolates adds all the calories and sugar content. Certain chocolate types use special sweeteners derived from products like corn or wheat that reduce the content of sugar making it fit for consumption on a healthier platter. This variety of chocolate does not increase the level of glucose thus ensuring enjoyment without worries!
The psychological effects of chocolates are great. It influences most of us. Children jump with joy whenever they are given chocolates, a promise of gifting chocolates will get you almost anything. Elders generally gift chocolates on special occasions just to see the young receiver smile away to glory. Chocolates at times can also relieve stress for many. It is a known fact that people, especially women indulge in spoiling themselves rotten with chocolates whenever they are depressed.
Since chocolate is calorie-rich with high fat content, daily intake will have to be compensated by reducing on other foods. It is now being believed for a while that cocoa based drugs can cure diabetes, dementia and other diseases.
Chocolates and Relationships
People find various uses for chocolates when it comes to maintaining and nurturing relationships. It is a good way to reconcile differences. An apology with a chocolate hamper in hand will never fail! It is a perfect gift for occasions like weddings, birthdays, baby showers and many other tender, happy and sad occasions.
How would you use chocolate if you were throwing a party?
You could melt it, make it in to a delicious drink, hot or cold, both taste amazing. You could possibly make a delicious cake, soufflé, any dessert topped with other treats like strawberries, dry fruits and any tasty food that may capture your imagination. Using chocolate curls to decorate other complementary food items will look highly attractive and will earn you praises. Chocolate with a little liquor would give your party just the right high!
There are various references to chocolate in movies, songs and books. It is an area that can be explored endlessly.
Chocolate Producing Countries
Largest cocoa producing countries are Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Cameroon, Equador, Dominican Republic, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Colombia and Mexico.
Several countries have special chocolates and boast of a culture they are proud of. The advantages of French Chocolate are varied, since these are made with natural ingredients. This variety helps fight depression, acts as brain stimulator, combats tiredness and strengthens the heart.
The chocolates varieties like Galler, Guylian, Godiva, Leonidas, Marcolini, Neuhausfrom from Belgium are famous the world over. Patrons drool over the taste and feel that these chocolates provide.
Swiss chocolates are also very popular; Switzerland is one of the top chocolate producing countries in the world.
Gift a Chocolate
Chocolates can prove to be amazing gifts on all occasions. People don’t mind being gifted chocolates in any form whatsoever. There are various occasions when even a simple box of chocolates can make an excellent gift.
You can buy chocolates on varied occasions like birthdays, thank you gifts, get-well-soon gifts, weddings, anniversaries, birth of a child and the ever popular party gifts.
Chocolates can be moulded in any shape desired, the flexibility it provides while decorating, makes chocolate one of the best for preparing special gourmet dishes for weddings and birthdays. Chocolates are celebration for a lifetime.