Posted on 02/01/2023 5:59:45 AM PST by Red Badger
(Last Updated On: January 30, 2023)
NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY
On February 1st, National Dark Chocolate Day reminds us to indulge a little. Many tout dark chocolate as the healthier chocolate. However, for some, it can be an acquired taste.
#NationalDarkChocolateDay
Also known as bittersweet chocolate, dark chocolate is different from milk chocolate. Candy makers add milk or butter to milk chocolate, giving it a creamier consistency. Dark chocolate includes no added milk or butter. Instead, the percentage of cocoa solids remaining in the chocolate determines how dark the chocolate is. The higher the ratio, the darker the chocolate. It may also have a slightly bitter taste.
Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. We have been cultivating cacao for at least three millennia, and the plant grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. Our earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds dates to around 1100 BC.
Fermentation helps develop the flavor of the cacao seeds. Otherwise, the seeds are too bitter to eat. Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. Processors then ground the cocoa nips into cocoa mass, pure chocolate in rough form. Next, they usually liquefy the cocoa mass and mold it with or without other ingredients. At this point in the process, it is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
Besides being lower in calories and fat, dark chocolate has many other health benefits. It also serves as a decadent ingredient in many desserts and sauces.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY
Eat some dark chocolate.
Bake with dark chocolate.
Add dark chocolate to a savory dish.
Share dark chocolate recipes.
Host a dark chocolate tasting.
Learn about the health benefits of dark chocolate.
Use #NationalDarkChocolateDay on social media.
NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this chocolatey day.
Dark Chocolate FAQ
Q. Can I add a little dark chocolate to my coffee?
A. Yes. The simplest solution is to add a dark chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.
Q. Can anyone eat dark chocolate?
A. No. Some people are allergic to chocolate, and even small amounts will be harmful to them.
Q. Can dark chocolate be a savory ingredient?
A. Yes. Dark chocolate can be added to sauces and stews. Chili is one dish where some recipes call for dark chocolate.
Dark Chocolate Day!..................................
😋😋😋
It’s Racist. We must rid society of the term “dark chocolate:”
How about ‘COC’?
Chocolate of Color?..........................
“ It’s Racist. We must rid society of the term “dark chocolate:”
Let’s do that by getting rid of that disgusting, inedible abomination known as “milk chocolate”
Yes, like saying darkey.
Every day is dark chocolate day
Seems like we had dark chocolate day in October, no? Maybe they celebrate it more than once. Or maybe that was just chocolate (of any kind) day.
Ahhh, thanks! It was October 28, and I made (dark) chocolate covered strawberries, blueberries, and pretzels that day.
I like dark chocolate.
many do not
I do, my wife does not...................
I like dark chocolate, usually 95% dark. The bars I get are sweetened with Stevia instead of sugar. Lower calories - one serving is only 130 cals instead of around 280 for a similar sugared helping.
I like dark chocolate in the 45 to 70 percent range. I’m not much into those 90 percent cacao bars.
I love milk chocolate too.
The most popular brand in Belgium is Cote d’Or and I have to admit that it is mighty special.
Every day is dark chocolate day in my house.
A clear case of racism no white chocolate day listed.
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