What is World Chocolate Day?
World Chocolate Day, also known as International Chocolate Day, is celebrated on July 7th each year.
This day is dedicated to appreciating and indulging in one of the most popular treats in the world: chocolate.
The celebration is believed to mark the day when chocolate was first introduced to Europe in the year 1550.
People all over the world observe this day by consuming chocolate in various forms, sharing it with friends and family, and participating in chocolate-themed parties and events.
It is a day to celebrate the rich tasty, history, culture, and enjoyment that chocolate has brought to people all over the world for centuries.
When is World Chocolate Day in ?
Every year on the 7th of July, we come together to celebrate chocolate.
World Chocolate Day is an occasion for chocolate enthusiasts worldwide to savour their beloved confection without any guilt!
On this day, anything chocolate goes, including hot chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate bars, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, vegan chocolate, or anything covered with chocolate.
TRY OUR TASTY CHOCOLATE (Before we go on, you may also like to read this post looking at: is hot chocolate healthy?)Most people love chocolate. In fact, there is even a famous quote about it:
"Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies." - John Q. Tullius
Approximately 1 billion people eat chocolate every day. Wow, that’s a lot of happy people in the world!
Did you know chocolate grows on a tree? Yes really! We’ll come back to where chocolate comes from a little later.
For now, let’s talk about the health benefits of chocolate. Besides the fact it tastes so good, there are other health benefits associated with chocolate.
Chocolate is known to raise serotonin and dopamine levels, contributing to an improved mood and overall sense of well-being.It’s Dark chocolate that’s the major winner.
Dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants and helps improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and can reduce the risk of heart disease.
(You might also want to read this blog post looking at the question: how chocolate is made step-by-step?)
So...Where Does Chocolate Come From?
Chocolate's history can be traced back to the ancient Mayans and even further to the Olmecs of southern Mexico.
Today's chocolate may evoke thoughts of sugary candy bars and delectable truffles, but it has evolved significantly from its original form.
For much of its history, chocolate was a revered yet bitter drink rather than the sweet confections we know today.
Chocolate is derived from the fruit of cacao trees native to Central and South America.
These fruits, known as pods, contain around 40 cacao beans each. These beans are dried and roasted to produce cocoa beans.
The precise origins of cacao and its inventor remain uncertain.
Hayes Lavis, a cultural arts curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, notes that ancient Olmec pots from around 1500 B.C. were found to contain traces of theobromine, a stimulant compound present in chocolate and tea.
(Before you go, you might also enjoy reading this short blog post looking at the question - where does chocolate originally come from?)
Over time, chocolate has evolved significantly and is now available in various forms and flavours.
To catch a glimpse of the chocolate-making process, check out this video from our factory.
Caution: it may induce intense chocolate cravings!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0ilm8WuhRg
CHECK OUT OUR VEGAN CHOCOLATE (Check this post out if you are interested in the question: how many squares of dark chocolate each day?).Where Does World Chocolate Day Come From?
The origin of this delicious food day remains uncertain, as it is unclear who first established it.
Nonetheless, July 7th is celebrated as World Chocolate Day, as it marks the date in 1550 when chocolate was introduced to Europe for the very first time.
The first World Chocolate Day was celebrated in 2009.
It’s easy, celebrate by eating your favourite chocolate! Tell the world you’re involved and why you love chocolate so much.
Be sure to post photos and videos of your favourite chocolate treat on social media using #WorldChocolateDay.
You could always try the following too.
How to Get Involved & Celebrate Chocolate!
- Bake your version of the best-ever chocolate cake and enjoy it with your friends and family.
- Host a chocolate-tasting party.
- Try new and exciting chocolates from around the world.
- Dress up with a chocolate-themed outfit.
- Experiment with chocolate in your cooking. Look out for savoury recipes that contain chocolate - this might sound impossible, but it’s not!
- Read a book about chocolate to your children!
- Head over to Whitakers Chocolates and order chocolates & get them delivered to your door! Plus, if you spend £40 or over, you’ll receive a free gift and free UK Mainland delivery!
Some Final Notes On International Chocolate Day
World Chocolate Day offers a delightful opportunity for chocoholics and casual enthusiasts alike to unite in their love for this scrumptious treat.
As we indulge in the velvety smoothness of our favourite chocolate bars, truffles, or hot cocoa, let's remember to share the joy with those around us and perhaps even discover new flavours and recipes to further our chocolate adventures.
So, mark your calendars for July 7th, gather your fellow chocolate lovers, and let's raise a deliciously decadent toast to the enchanting world of chocolate!
Happy World Chocolate Day!
PS - Don’t forget to tag #whitakerschocolates & #WorldChocolateDay on your social media posts!
Checkout Some More Chocolatey Goodness:
- Click here for wholesale chocolate bars.
