07/07 – World Chocolate Day

On July 7th, we celebrate World Chocolate Day, a date that honors this delicacy loved by many around the world. Besides being considered delicious by its fans - the self-proclaimed chocoholics - chocolate also has a rich history and various health benefits.

Its origin dates back to the pre-Columbian civilizations of Central America. Following the discoveries, it was brought to Europe, where it became popular, especially from the 17th and 18th centuries onwards. Made from cocoa – a fruit highly appreciated for its sweet pulp and seed – it becomes chocolate after fermentation and roasting processes, among others. Brazil is the sixth largest cocoa producer in the world.

One of the highlights here is brigadeiros – which started being made with chocolate and today come in various variations, an irresistible sweet that is a must-have at parties and celebrations. Brigadeiro specialist Graziella Ferrari, at Miss Gatty Brigaderia, creates mouth-watering artisanal brigadeiros.

The chocolate is an ingredient in various flavors available on her menu, with variations resulting in irresistible brigadeiros. “We have the Ao Leite, the Dark made with 70% Belgian chocolate with brandy, Cocoa Nibs, Ferrero Rocher, Prestígio, and Chokito which are very popular,” says the specialist and brigadeiro maker.

We also have the Ruby brigadeiro, made with pink chocolate. “It is made from a type of cocoa that is fruity and naturally this shade, somewhat pink. The cocoa bean is like this, without the addition of colorants, and its flavor is intense, with fresh notes that make it unique,” explains Graziella.

Chocolate, especially dark and high-quality chocolate, has various health benefits. “It is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, chocolate contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and it can also release endorphins, the "happiness hormones," which help improve mood,” says Graziella.

It is important to remember that consumption should be balanced: “For those looking for a healthier choice, I recommend chocolates with a higher cocoa content and less sugar,” she points out.

Graziella uses high-quality ingredients to ensure that her brigadeiros are not only delicious but also offer a gourmet experience that can be enjoyed without guilt.

At theCoco Bambu ES, with locations in Vila Velha and Vitória, the chocolate tip is their various desserts featuring the delicacy, including the Hot Cake with English Cream and the Chocolate Brownie.

International Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7th. The exact reason for this date is not known, but historians believe it relates to the arrival of the product in Europe in the 15th century. It caused a great stir among the nobility, who referred to it as black gold. Chocolate became a status symbol, and its consumption was considered a sign of power and wealth among the aristocrats of the time.

According to researchers, historical evidence suggests that the first consumers of chocolate were members of the Olmec civilization, inhabitants of present-day Mexico and Guatemala, around 1500 BC.

In Switzerland – known for quality chocolate, production began precisely in the 17th century in the Ticino region, which borders Italy. As the country is strategically located, it allowed the passage of different goods, including chocolate that came from South America.

It was from the 19th century that the scenario began to change. In 1819, François-Louis Cailler founded the first chocolate factory in the country, naming it after his surname “Cailler.” In fact, the brand was one of the pioneers in large-scale production. After that, other companies began to emerge with their factories, such as Lindt, founded in 1845 by Rodolphe Lindt based in Zurich; Nestlé, founded in 1866 in the city of Vevey by Henri Nestlé; and Toblerone, which originated in 1899 in the city of Bern by Theodor Tobler.

Source: https://www.chocolate-academy.com/pt-BR and https://blog.cafezale.com.br/por-que-a-suica-e-considerada-o-pais-do-chocolate/