What is World Chocolate Day? 6 interesting facts about this incredible sweet treat

Are there any big chocolate fans out there? Do you know when World Chocolate Day is?

Everyone knows that chocolate is practically a worldwide favorite when it comes to sweets, right? Although there are many people who are not such fans of sweets, the vast majority of the world's population does not go without that little chocolate every now and then.

And it was precisely because it is such a popular sweet that chocolate ended up getting a day just for itself! 

In case you didn't know, there is a World Chocolate Day! And here, in addition to finding out what World Chocolate Day is, you will also learn 6 interesting facts about the sweet treat!

What is World Chocolate Day? 

Chocolate may have become a worldwide passion these days, but the date on which it is celebrated appeared long before the popularization of the sweet.

Unfortunately, this year's date has already passed. World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7th. But don't let that discourage you. The date may have already passed, but there's still time to celebrate World Chocolate Day, right? 

And now that you know, next year it will be easier to celebrate the date on the right day.

An important tip is that, as it is considered a popular date, some restaurants may carry out promotional actions – such as selling desserts, for example – of dishes that use the ingredient as a base. 

So it's worth keeping an eye out for next year!

How did World Chocolate Day come about?

Many people may think that the date arose for some commercial purpose, right?

After all, a day set aside to celebrate the existence of chocolate is not something that appears overnight and without a purpose.

But the truth is that the origin of World Chocolate Day is older than most of us imagine.

Among the theories used to explain the origin of the date, the most widely accepted is that the date emerged in the 15th century, with the arrival of this merchandise in Europe.

Chocolate was so popular there – after all, until then, it was a type of food unknown to Europeans – that it even had a day dedicated to it!

In addition to World Chocolate Day, discover 6 interesting facts about the sweet treat!

Now that you’re up to date with World Chocolate Day, how about learning some interesting facts about the sweet treat? Check out these 6 interesting facts we’ve put together for you!

The 'origin' of chocolate

Did you know that cocoa – the raw material for chocolate – also comes from South America? Contrary to what many people may think, the fruit comes from a plant native to areas such as Mexico, Central America and the tropical region of South America. Despite this, a large part of the world's cocoa production is concentrated in the Ivory Coast, in Africa.

The beginning of chocolate consumption

Nowadays, there is no shortage of ways to consume chocolate, right? Chocolates, bars, truffles, popsicles... There are 1001 ways to enjoy the delights of chocolate.

But the first form of chocolate consumption was as a drink. The Mayans and the Aztecs were responsible for this consumption. And this drink was usually consumed in the rituals that these people practiced.

Despite being something very different from what we know today, it can be said that it is the first version of chocolate in drink form.

Chocolate consumption in Europe

As we have already mentioned here, World Chocolate Day only emerged when the sweet arrived in Europe, back in the 15th century.

During this period, chocolate began to be treated as a true delicacy, becoming a status symbol for people who were part of the European aristocracy at the time.

This caused chocolate to become associated with power and wealth.

And this status lasted for a certain time on the European continent. This scenario only began to change after the popularization of the product, which happened after the Industrial Revolution.

Chocolate can be addictive

You've probably heard this expression before, right? And I'm almost certain that you didn't even take it seriously. But know that it's real!

Studies have shown that chocolate is not only addictive, but is also one of the foods most likely to be addictive.

This is due to the presence of serotonin in the food. When it comes into contact with our body, this substance stimulates the brain, helps to relax the body and can even cause a feeling of happiness.

Chocolate consumption here in Brazil

When we say that Brazilians love any and all types of chocolate, we're not kidding!

According to data regarding the consumption of the sweet that were released by the Brazilian Association of the Chocolate, Peanut and Candy Industry (ABICAB), chocolate production here in the country surpassed the 500 thousand ton mark in 2021 alone.

It's chocolate that never ends!

The benefits of eating chocolate

Although – in most cases – chocolate is associated with weight gain and health problems such as diabetes, consuming the product can also bring benefits to our health.

And among the main benefits that chocolate has are: reducing stress, improving our mood, properties that act as an anti-inflammatory and even helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

So, now you know, right? The next time someone criticizes the consumption of chocolate, take the opportunity to explain that the sweet treat also has benefits for our health.

Conclusion

As we saw throughout the text, World Chocolate Day may have already passed, but that is far from being a problem for those who want to celebrate the date, right? 

After all, every day is a day to enjoy and eat a little chocolate! 

So enjoy the arrival of the weekend, choose your favorite chocolate brand and celebrate the date with it!

Did you like this content? Then try reading it too Famous Chocolate Names: 10 Delicious Options