Chocolates are produced from the tropical Theobroma cacao tree (also known as the cocoa tree) which is found in the tropical region of South America.
Types of chocolates
Chocolates are popular all over the world. There are 5 major types of chocolates:
White Chocolate
In some countries white chocolate is not considered as chocolate because it contains no cocoa solids. They are actually a chocolate derivative and consist of sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids and salt. White chocolate goes well with bananas, coconut, berries and wafers.
Milk Chocolate
The main ingredients used to make this type of chocolate is cocoa butter and cocoa and a major quantity of milk solids (thus the name). It is rather sweet to taste and used in making desserts.
Dark Chocolate
Bitter tasting dark chocolate has a high content of cocoa. Physicians suggest that dark chocolates are good for the heart, and they help reduce cardiovascular ailments as they contain potassium and copper. High in iron content, dark chocolates also cure anemia. Whereas, magnesium prevents high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Sweetened Dark Chocolate
This type of chocolate has 60-85 percent of cocoa in it and is not very sweet to taste. Also termed as bitter sweet chocolate. Used widely in baking.
Unsweetened Chocolate
This chocolate has high content of cocoa and does not have sugar at all. It is completely bitter in taste and is not a very popular cooking option. It is has a high content of cocoa butter.
Can chocolate be healthy?
A new study shows that the flavanols in chocolate can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other dementia conditions by protecting brain cells and increasing blood flow around the brain. The cocoa content in chocolates can help reduce stress hormones. Dark chocolates are loaded with antioxidants and lower down the signs of aging and reduce cancer risks.
Did you know?
The word chocolate was actually been taken from the word 'Xocolatl' which means bitter water.
The biggest bar of chocolate was made in the year 2000 and weighed 5000 pounds (2267 kg).
The phrase 'death by chocolate' is usually taken as a joke by people but it was actually recorded in the 17th century in Mexico as the bishop in Mexico was actually killed by inducing poison in his chocolate.