Did you know about "World chocolate Day"?

World Chocolate Day on July 7th is an annual celebration dedicated to indulging in and appreciating chocolate. It marks the date when chocolate was first brought to Europe in 1550, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. 

Whether it’s used to coat other candies and nuts, melted over fruit, or shaven over a gourmet dessert, chocolate always hits the spot. Around 1 billion people from around the world eat chocolate every day. Besides its great taste, it has tons of health benefits. Although chocolate is recognized as fattening, amazingly it can also aid weight loss and help maintain weight if consumed moderately. 

But, what's the story behind this event?

Established in 2009, World Chocolate Day marks the supposed anniversary of the day that this iconic dessert made its first entrance into Europe in 1550. Chocolate originally comes from the seed of the Theobroma Cacao tree, a Mexican plant which has been cultivated for at least three millennia in South America. 

A lot of research into this edible treasure has found that it is a powerful source of antioxidants, plus it helps to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also increases serotonin and dopamine levels, which helps to boost mood. Many people are advised to eat more dark chocolate as it contains healthier benefits. 

How can you celebrate World Chocolate Day?

There are all sorts of different ways that you can celebrate World Chocolate Day 2024. The most obvious is by tucking into some chocolate, but what if you’re after some more outside the (chocolate) box ideas?

Well, we have a few suggestions to give you some inspiration!

• Looking for something yummy to try at home? Try a delicious recipe for chocolate chip cookies. It’s a great, simple way to introduce little ones to the kitchen and get them acquainted with measuring, stirring, and baking.
• Visit a Chocolate Factory: Take a tour of a local chocolate factory to see how chocolate is made and taste fresh samples.
• Share the Love: Gift chocolates to friends and family or host a chocolate-tasting party.

So enjoy this day with the right person! Stay tuned!