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It's surely the most common confectionary flavors available anywhere. We eat it with a passion, in incredible quantities, but just how much do we understand Chocolate? Although one does not need to be a Harvard scholar in order to value it, there are a lot of fascinating facts regarding its creation and our continuous need for it. Here are twenty facts that I think are very intriguing (I am sure they're going to stimulate thought if nothing else). 1. Research demonstrates that chocolate was at first made use of more than 2,500 years ago, beginning in Central America. The Mayan civilisation considered Cacao to be a heavenly present and so it was held in high regard. It was utilized ceremoniously and often as a type of money. The term 'Cacao' is known as a Maya word which means 'god food' which, after being introduced to Europe in the 16th century, shaped the foundation of the Latin title for the Cacao tree 'Theobrama Cacao' which means 'food for the gods'. It is believed that theterm 'cocoa' came about through a miss-spelling of 'cacao.' 2. The name chocolate stems from the Aztec word xocalati that means bitter water. Not surprising, considering they manufactured a beverage by mixing cacao beans with chillies, achiote, cornmeal, and some research suggest the addition hallucinogenic mushrooms (possibly included to help get over the flavour). 3. More than 66 percent of the world's cacao is harvested in Africa and 98 % of the world's cocoa is developed by just fifteen nations. 4. More than two times as many women than males eat and desire chocolate. 5. It has been noticed that chocolate cravings cannot be fulfilled by any sweet other than chocolate itself (no surprises there). 6. Chocolate creates the effects of a mild anti-depressant by boosting serotonin and endorphin ranges in the brain. 7. Chocolate includes caffeine, which causes the results of a minor amphetamine. 8. Though not scientifically established, chocolateis considered by countless folks, to be an aphrodisiac. The idea is supported by the reality that chocolate really does have several chemical substances which are stimulant drugs: caffeine, theobromine, along with phenyethylamine. 9. Cocoa butter is a by-product generated from the crushing of roasted cacao beans, and even though utilized in the chocolate making process, it is also utilized in a multitude of cosmetic products which includes massage oils and skin cosmetics. It is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats identified. It melts at body temperature and so blends very easily into the pores and skin, making it the ideal base for moisturising creams and so on. 10. Terry's of York will generate about 350 million segments of chocolate orange per calendar year. 11. The largest chocolate product previously created was a 4,484lb, ten foot tall, Easter egg, created in Melbourne Australia. 12. 17,000 men and women in Belgium are employed in the chocolate business 13. Regardless of being higher in fat content, chocolate doesn't appear to elevate blood cholesterol amounts. 14. Allergic reactions to chocolate are uncommon (isn't that excellent to find out). 15. America consumes practically 50 % of the world's chocolate. 16. Napoleon constantly brought chocolate with him, which he consumed as a pick-me-up whenever he required an energy boost. (and we all thought he acquired it for Josephine). 17. A single cacao pod will include about 42 cocoa beans. It will take as many as 270 cocoa beans to create a pound of chocolate. 18. At least 7 billion chocolate chips are enjoyed every year. 19. Ninety percent of the world's cacao is grown on small family run farms, no bigger than 12 acres. 20. In 2006 more than 6.5 million tons of chocolate was traded around the world. There is a significant amount of data easily accessible regarding our number 1 confectionery delight, and it is reallyapparent that our love and continuing relationship with it, isn't really going to change in the near or distant future - not if I have anything to do with it!
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