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The food of the Gods!

 

With a history as rich and as deep as the product itself, chocolate has been providing pleasure, comfort and health benefits for thousands of years.  Universally adored and recognized as "the food of the Gods", chocolate was first consumed more than 3000 years ago by the Olmec and Aztec civilizations in South America.  Centuries later traders took the first cocoa products to Europe where it soon evolved into the delicious, creamy temptation we know today!

Tastes Around The World 

Dark Chocolate is the most popular chocolate in Europe, where chocolate has a higher level of cocoa solids, giving it a much stronger flavour.  Milk Chocolate is the preferred choice in Australia, while Americans favour Dark Chocolate with the smoky flavours of South American beans.

The Art Of Tasting

Red wine typically compliments dark chocolate best.  Like wine tasting, it is easy to distinguish good quality chocolate by using all your senses - sight, touch, sound, smell and taste.

Look - Enjoy the depth of colour, the sheen and gloss of the chocolate.  Dark chocolate has a deep, warm colour.  The lighter the cocoa, the finer the flavour.
Touch - Feel the smooth texture of the chocolate.  Quality chocolate should begin to melt within one minute when held in your hand.
Listen - Breaking fine chocolate gives a satisfying snap.  The structure of milk and white chocolate gives a more muffled sound, while darker chocolate sounds like a breaking twig.
Smell - Close your eyes and gently smell the chocolate.  Good quality chocolate has a wonderful aromas with just a touch of natural vanilla.
Taste - Place a small piece of chocolate on your tongue and allow it to melt of its own accord.  Recognise the texture and complexity, noting the different waves of flavour emerging.

Cool Facts About Chocolate

• Many believe that chocolate is an aphrodisiac, possibly because of the sensual pleasure of its consumption. 

• It's true!  Chocolate is "The Food Of The Gods".  Cacao beans come from a tree that is a species of the genus Theobroma, which translatedis "food of the gods".
  
• Chocolate is a great natural antidepressant.  It contains tryptophan which helps you create and release your body's own "feel good" antidepressant, Serotonin, into your brain making you feel happier and more relaxed.
  
• Chocolate contains high-quality antioxidants that can protect you from developing cancer and heart disease.
  
• Chocolate is rich in magnesium and iron, which your body needs.
  
• Research suggests that dark chocolate boosts memory, attention span, reaction time and problem solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain.
  
• Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does NOT contribute to acne.  However the milk in milk choclate might so enjoy the benefits of dark chocolate!
  
• Finally!!  Chocolate's melting point is just below your body temperature, so it melts in your mouth.  Melting chocolate in your mouth raises brain activity and heart rate more intensely than passionate kissing and lasts four time longer!