When is world chocolate day celebrated. World Chocolate Day: A Love Story. Traditions of chocolate day around the world

A person experiences indescribable happiness and bliss after biting off a piece of delicious chocolate. The endorphins splashed out thanks to the sweet bar give us these moments of euphoria. How can you not worship chocolate? After all, this is a real miracle, a gift from nature to man. The intricate, romantic French first celebrated Chocolate Day in 1995. This wonderful tradition was taken up by other countries as well. Russia is no exception. Now July 11 is World Chocolate Day!

Feast of the sweet tooth

Where the chocolate came from is never really known. The most common version says that the Aztecs created this recipe, and the enterprising Spaniards brought the sweetness to Europe. At first, only aristocrats could feast on such a delight. Some ladies considered chocolate an aphrodisiac and stuffed it in kilograms. A few decades later, the production of chocolate was put on stream, and then any hard worker could enjoy this wonderful taste.

Data from scientists

There is a lot of controversy and research around chocolate. Scientists have proven that it helps to raise mood and acquire psychological calmness. But its nutritional properties leave much to be desired. Chocolate lovers gain weight very quickly! There are hypotheses that chocolate is a cure for cancer. Although they have not yet been substantiated in any way.

Have fun body and soul

World Chocolate Day is a favorite holiday for children and adults. It is on this beautiful day that you can heartily fill up your favorite delicacy. Fairs, festivities, concerts are organized in all cities. The people are having fun with all the heart! Cheerful music sounds everywhere, producers hold tastings of sweet novelties! Nobody will miss such a holiday. It is not easy for the organizers. Every year you need to come up with something new for World Chocolate Day. The script is thought over for a whole year, because the holiday should be unique.

Plants and factories

Such a grand celebration is a whole event for chocolate producers. Plants and factories organize an open day, inviting everyone to see the process of creating chocolate delicacies. Tasting of products is not complete, so the excursion groups are simply overcrowded. July 11 - World Chocolate Day. Even kids remember this date!

Chocolatier is the name given to professionals in their field. To master the skill of making chocolate, you need to know a lot and constantly improve your skills. Initially, chocolate was a drink, and only centuries later turned into flat bars. But liquid chocolate is back at its peak again. Confectioners set up beautiful chocolate fountains, prepare hot drinks with added fruits and spices. Confectioners demonstrate their masterpieces on World Chocolate Day, organize master classes.

Congratulations

On this wonderful holiday, people congratulate each other, give small gifts, postcards, compose poems. You can present surprises on this day not only to confectioners and people somehow connected with chocolate, but also to all your loved ones. Show attention to the elderly - the holiday is never superfluous! You can give anything you want: sets of chocolates, clothes with a picture of chocolate, a frame for a photo imitating a bar of chocolate, an appetizing bar, postcards. World Chocolate Day is a great occasion to confess your love, to propose. After all, from him and breathes romance and tenderness.

Children are especially happy about the chocolate gifts. You can come up with delicious compositions for them. Any child will love the original box filled with chocolate eggs with a surprise inside. You can present the kids with chocolate figurines of your favorite characters. If you've started celebrating World Chocolate Day at home, a script is a must. Find interesting contests for kids, a win-win lottery for adults, quizzes with tricky questions about the history of chocolate. The prizes, of course, are delicious sweets!

Delicious variety

The chocolate originally made had a bitter taste. Therefore, not everyone liked it. But now a sweet, wonderful product with a variety of additives is offered to your attention. Everything is used: cookies, nuts, dried fruits, even salty cracker. Diet chocolate has not yet been invented, but science has everything ahead. You should not get carried away with this delicacy, only if on this wonderful holiday!

Tasteful beauty

World Chocolate Day is now celebrated with pleasure in beauty salons. After all, they use it there not at all for its intended purpose! Chocolate wraps quickly burst into our lives and won the hearts of beauties. The skin after such a procedure becomes unrecognizable: silky, smooth, sweet, with a pleasant aroma! Visitors to the salons simply storm the wrapping specialists, there is no end of clients. Be sure to give yourself these moments of bliss.

On this wonderful holiday - World Chocolate Day - congratulations should be special. The first thing that everyone wishes for each other is that life be as sweet as the hero of the occasion!

Who doesn't love chocolate?

Everyone is happy about such a miracle!

Brains work faster

And before our eyes you are more beautiful.

Sweet tooth, take care of your teeth,

And you eat your figure!

Happy holiday to all of you, sweets!

Such a congratulation can be written in a beautiful postcard and attached to a chocolate bar.

Festivities

On July 11, you should not sit at home - go to a holiday, you can see a lot of interesting things there. Festivals, fairs, master classes, concerts - all dedicated to chocolate. At the fairs you can buy excellent quality chocolates directly from the producers at very attractive prices! In some cities parades of baby strollers, contests for the best chocolate suit are held!

World Chocolate Day is a great holiday that everyone will love. The cities host entertainment for every taste! Be sure to pamper yourself and your loved ones with desserts, cakes, gorgeous cakes with chocolate! Indeed, in moderation, it is very useful!

Those with a sweet tooth probably know about Chocolate Day, which is celebrated annually at the height of summer - July 11. The idea of ​​the celebration belongs to the French: they are big fans of the exquisite delicacy. Since 1995, the holiday has been considered national, but over time, other countries have adopted a similar tradition.

Due to the huge popularity of such an event, World Chocolate Day began to be celebrated four times a year: September 2 and 13, June 9 and traditionally July 11. The Americans, who gave the holiday the name World Chocolate Day, dedicated 2 more days to their favorite delicacy: October 28 and July 7. So those with a sweet tooth have a reason to taste chocolate and participate in entertaining contests and festivals as many as 6 times a year.

How did chocolate appear

The history of chocolate dates back to 1000 BC, when the natives of Latin America (the Olmec tribe) first noticed the fruit of the chocolate tree. It is believed that chocolate is a derivative of xocolātl. Among the ancient aborigines, this word meant "bitter water". The fact is that the delicacy was originally consumed only in liquid form, with the addition of hot pepper and sweet corn grains. Cocoa was mixed with these unusual ingredients, whipped in water until foam appeared, and drank only when the drink began to ferment. It is noteworthy that only the leaders were allowed to use it. Women, children and commoners had no right to touch the divine nectar. The same traditions were among the Maya and Aztecs. They even worshiped a cocoa god named Ek-Chuakh.

Mayan cocoa god Ek Chuah

The first European to taste an overseas delicacy was the navigator Columbus. Unfortunately, he could not appreciate the cold and spicy drink, so he gave the grains to the American Indians. The fruits of the chocolate tree came to Spain in the 16th century thanks to Cortez, the conquistador who conquered Mexico. Having defeated the Aztecs, he became the owner of unique cocoa plantations and established supplies throughout Europe. The Spanish monks and the hidalgo, who made the dessert, changed the recipe, eliminating pepper and spices and adding sugar. Thanks to this, the drink became sweet and pleasant to the taste, moreover, it was served hot.

In the Middle Ages, dessert was literally worth its weight in gold due to high taxes and production difficulties. In France, they got acquainted with the delicacy thanks to Louis' wife, Anna of Austria. The British and Germans immediately picked up the fashion trend. Chocolate became an exquisite dessert for nobles and dignitaries, and chocolate houses soon filled all the streets of Paris and London.

In 1847, British pastry chef Fry made a revolutionary discovery: he added cocoa butter to the dessert, which caused the chocolate to freeze and harden. This is how the first slab chocolate was born. Since the middle of the 19th century, the largest factories in the world began to produce a new confectionery product: the English Cadbury (famous for the Wispa and Picnic bars), the Swiss Nestle (which was originally focused on the production of artificial milk formulas for babies), the Russian Einem (which was later renamed to Red October"). Today there are a huge number of both large companies and individual manufacturers of hand made products. World Chocolate Day has become a testament to the popularity of this confection all over the world and among all peoples and generations.

Features of the celebration

World Chocolate Day is celebrated on all continents and in almost all countries: Russia, USA, France, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Switzerland, etc. body, chocolate baths, theme fairs and exhibitions.

Those who are lucky enough to visit Switzerland on July 11 are advised to take a ride on the "chocolate train". During the trip, the guide tells the amazing story of the origin and development of the dessert.

Belgium is famous for its unique chocolate museum, and the Germans created "Chocolandia" - a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Tourists are invited to visit interesting shows and take part in master classes and tastings.

Russian confectioners also keep up with their foreign counterparts. In 2009, the first chocolate monument in Russia called "Bronze Fairy" was unveiled in Pokrov. The 3-meter-high statue is installed next to the chocolate museum. On the day of the celebration, tourists and visitors will find an exciting show program and many interesting contests.

The holiday of chocolate is a great occasion to congratulate relatives and friends who participate in the creation of their favorite delicacy: they work in confectionery factories or are engaged in the design of wrappers. It is not necessary to go to Pokrov or to Europe; you can organize your leisure time on your own with your family. Adults can be pampered with a chocolate fondue with liqueur, while children can be pampered with bars, cakes, ice cream or fruit salads. Songs of domestic performers on a given theme will be appropriate as musical background: "Chocolate Bunny" by Pierre Narcissus, "Coffee and Chocolate" by Inna Malikova, "Mulatto Chocolate" by Dima Bilan. A creative and creative approach will create a festive atmosphere and introduce a new family tradition of celebrating the day of your favorite delicacy.

Did you know?

Chocolate is not only delicious, but also a very healthy dessert. Used in moderation, it stabilizes blood pressure, normalizes heart function and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Just one slice improves mood and helps fight depression.

The most useful is dark chocolate with a high content of cocoa beans (over 70%). It improves vision, memory, reaction speed, reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack, cancer, strengthens the immune system. Scientists have shown that people who consume a cocoa product, if not every day, then quite regularly, the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced by 37%.
Chocolate is also a great aphrodisiac as it increases libido. The feeling of melting in the mouth plunges the person into a prolonged state of euphoria, which is comparable to a kiss. Due to the regular use of this confection, women experience more satisfaction and attraction, which significantly improves the quality of their sex life.

Chocolate in numbers

• The lifespan of chocolate trees is 200 years, of which only 25 bear fruit.
• There are 300 varieties of cocoa beans and 400 different flavors in the world.
• The Swiss are the record-holders for eating sweets. Each of them, according to statistics, eats 11.8 kg of chocolate annually.
• made by the British. Its weight is 5.8 tons.

Irina Mikhailovna Korzhina
"Holiday of chocolate" in the senior group

Senior group

"Holiday of chocolate"

ENTRANCE - "Chocolate"

Girls with sweets, boys with sultans

(first the girls - by jumps - in a counter-move in 2 columns along the edges, then the boys - by jumps - 1 column to the center)

(They put themselves on the podium)

Ved. - We are all sweet to congratulate happy,

Our hour has struck, our day has come.

Today is the holiday of Chocolate!

We are not too lazy to sing an ode to him.

After all, chocolate is not just a joy

Like marshmallow or persimmon,

And the song of taste, joy of the heart,

Balm for body and mind.

So pour chocolate around the world

No regrets, no barriers

And may all your idols have

All life is solid only chocolate!

Ved. - Dear friends! Miracles happen not only on New Year's Eve, hot summer holidays can also be magical. After all, there is a day in the summer when you can eat a sea of ​​chocolate. What is this day? - you ask. We are talking about a sweet-sweet, tasty-delicious holiday - World Chocolate Day. And it is celebrated annually - on July 11, in the midst of a hot summer. But this is the time of vacations and rest, and we could hardly meet with such a friendly family. But today on such an autumnal, maybe a little bit sad evening, why don't we talk about the most beloved sweets - both children and adults, and devote our meeting to a wonderful holiday - the holiday of Chocolate.

POETRY

1. There is nothing in the world

More aromatic than bitter chocolate

There is nothing nicer

He is the best award in the world.

2. He cheers up,

Gives vigor and fun

Everyone wants to treat themselves

Enjoy chocolate.

3.With him we are both in sorrow and in joy,

On a holiday, and in a difficult hour,

He gives us sweetness

He is our salvation.

4. We now congratulate everyone

Happy World Chocolate Day,

We wish you sweets in life

This is a great reward!

song "Sweet Tooth" by Petryasheva

(1 and 2 verses - soloists, chorus - all)

or "Sweet Song"

The holiday of Chocolate began to be celebrated in 1995. If we consider that now it is 2016 in the yard, then, therefore, he is only 21 years old. Relatively young age, I can tell you. Do you know who invented it? It was invented by the French - great lovers of cage. But after all, there is a sweet tooth not only in France, but also live abroad. This is how, for example, in America they celebrate the day of chocolate twice - once in July, and the second in October, well, almost like us, we are now also in October. And in Russia, the Day of Chocolate fell in love, and in all other countries they love it. And if the French opened it, honored this day with a holiday, the Russians erected a monument to him in the Vladimir region. If you are there sometime, then in the city of Pokrov there is a monument to Chocolate. Can you imagine how great it is? I think today a lot of interesting, fascinating, magical things await you and me. And the most important thing is that we have both sweet and fun, I want to ask the children:

If it's a gloomy day in the morning? - No problem!

Will you always meet your friend here? - It's true!

Then get up quickly, play with us.

Dance game "Hugs"

Competition Preparation (ropes) - Pun

Contest "Chocolate shooting range"

Background of the Mustache Nanny (2-3 times)

(dad, mom, cut a chocolate bar off the rope - blindfolded, child - with open eyes)

Not an easy task. One, two, three - start the game!

I don't know about you - but I love candy so much! Straight sweet tooth # 1.

I'll tell you a secret -

All year round, winter and summer

I just think about it!

And trust me people

Pleasure - mouth full!

And how much pleasure, how much joy the guys get from sweets! Now they will tell us. And they will not only tell, but also show.

Little jokes:

1. Chocolates - 3 reb (ved, son, mother) - table, chair, vase, board + iron

2. Zhrushka - 2 reb (daughter, mother) - table, vase with candy wrappers

3. Failure - 2 reb (brother, sister) - chair, 2 candies

4. Verse "My talent" - (daughter, mom, dad)

The song "We are sweets, we are girlfriends"

(solo - girls) - (piano, notebook)

Do you guys know that chocolate is one of the oldest treats? Several millennia ago, they learned how to make chocolate. It was a thick drink called Hot Chocolate. And only much later, guys, did chocolate turn into a solid confection that we are now using. Yes, chocolate is not only pleasant but also healthy. It not only improves mood, but also strengthens strength. In short, I ate a slice of chocolate - and everything is in order. The main thing is to know when to stop. Now I think that our guests and guys like a lot of different types of chocolate. Truth? Yes. Here we are now going to play one more game "Guess the name of chocolate"

First riddle.

Permians, Chelyabinsk residents,

Muscovites and residents of St. Petersburg

They are very fond of chocolate

Under the name (Snickers)

Sonya, applause - we give you candy.

Second riddle.

Tanya loves marmalade

I will give the box to her.

Katya loves chocolate

I will give her ___

3. Everyone knows about it,

And every girl

Delicious chocolate

Russian (Alenka)

And now the contest "Know the taste of chocolate"

Dad, mom, baby with closed eyes taste chocolate

All day long he laughs

Cobweb tickles.

Then the foliage rushes

Then the rain will send us a scythe.

She dresses up in burgundy

Yellow-red and purple

And in crimson, gold,

Light haze, forest.

It's time to talk about autumn. But first, I want to draw your attention to what an extraordinary wonderful hall we have this year.

Poetry

1. And again autumn outside the window,

The foliage is spinning and falling

The cold rain pours more and more often

Less and less often the sun pleases.

2. Summer rushed off light

On the wings of flocks of birds

In the farewell song of the cranes,

To a distant warm land.

song "Autumn in the forest"

(Triangles) -

(Valdai bells (metallophones) -

(Maracas) -

1. Candy is delicious,

Candy is sweet.

But the best candy is

Large chocolate bar.

dance "Bear Gumiber"

And now it's time to evaluate the hand-made works of our families.

Contest "Chocolate Fantasy"

Parents and children appreciate the work

1. Even if my little ones are small,

But I already know how to pick berries!

dance "Berry-watermelon"

(watermelons - 4m, berries - 4 d, tomato - 1m)

song "My family" or "Holiday"

Group ___ is one big friendly family. I want to congratulate everyone on such wonderful, wonderful work. So much work, so much imagination, so much effort invested, so wonderful work for everyone - this is the most important thing. Let's clap! Of course, there are no winners or losers - all great fellows, without exception. I want to start with my family. Let's see the presentation.

Awarding prizes

Child's name, job title. Applause.

Our meeting is coming to an end. I want to thank my whole team - these are wonderful educators ___ and ___, music director ___, and the coordinator for work with the OH family had fun and pleasure with you.

Thank you for your attention, you are wonderful. It remains for me to invite you - it's about New Year's - to meet at the New Year tree.

And now the main surprise of our holiday is the chocolate fountain, which is waiting for you in the group.

Medical dates calendar

Chocolate is not only tasty, but also healthy!

On July 11, sweet lovers and all progressive humanity will celebrate World Chocolate Day, which was recently invented by the French in 1995. This young holiday quickly gained popularity. On July 11, large cities of Russia from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok also host festive events and festivals with a chocolate theme. "Russia is a generous soul" ... Living in Samara, we, of course, could not help but celebrate such a holiday.

Chocolate is one of the most ancient foods on our planet.

His homeland is Central America.

And what wonderful fruits this tree bears!

Oblong, in a variety of colors - from green to red, from yellow to purple - they grow right from the trunks and branches!

They grow in a strange bouquet - at the same time ripe fruits and ovaries, delicately smelling flowers and even buds. As if you immediately see three times: childhood, youth and maturity.

It is not for nothing that chocolate is considered the elixir of eternal youth. The botanical name for the cocoa tree comes from the Greek words theos (god) and broma (food), as well as the Indian word cacao. Thus, cocoa is nothing more than the food of the gods. And the gods know a lot about food ...

The legend of chocolate

The wonderful tree, called the gentle May word Cocoa, did not always turn green in earthly gardens - only the Gods enjoyed the wonderful drink from its fruits ...

But one day a man was born who the stars were destined to become a great gardener. The gods themselves endowed the gardener - Cocoa began to grow in his gardens.

The strange, oblong fruits surprised the gardener - they tasted bitter, but they made an amazing drink that gave strength and delighted the heart. Soon people began to value this elixir worth its weight in gold, and cocoa beans were more desirable than hard coins. The gardener became rich and famous ...

And he became proud, and began to consider himself superior to all people, imagined himself equal to the gods. The gods were terribly angry - and deprived the ungrateful mind. And the mad gardener chopped up the gardens he once loved so much. But the divine cannot perish at the hands of a mere mortal - a single tree stood unharmed in the devastated garden. It remained in the world of people, and still gives them its amazing fruits. They make chocolate.

HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE: A JOURNEY FROM AGE TO AGE

Age of the Gods

Everything flows, everything changes - only the true remains the same.

Truth is in chocolate. Do you feel the Spirit of Chocolate?It is in every chocolate bar you eat for dessert, it is in every sip of a thick hot drink.

Once upon a time, in the Age of Gods, in Central America, an inspired priest rubbed cocoa beans and, on a whim, prepared a strange potion ... And the golden era of chocolate began. People drank it - and they were healthy, strong and happy!

The wheel turns a circle: history turns ...

But one day the Age of Gods ended. The great gods turned their backs on the Indians - they went to their luxurious palaces on top of the world. And when the strangers sailed, they were welcomed with open arms, thinking that they were the messengers of the gods. And the last battle of the Aztecs came ...

Age of Discovery

“For the Ruler! For Chocolatl! " shouted the Aztec warrior. And he fell, struck down by a Spanish bullet.

The year 1517. Hernan Cortez, a crafty and cruel Spaniard, conquered all of Mexico. The Indians brought gold - it was not enough for him and his army, and they plundered all the new cities and villages. But the Aztecs had one more jewel - and Cortez tasted the chocolatl prepared by the priests. It was liquid magic! The Spaniards were eager to find out the secret recipe - they got it from Montezuma. Once a proud ruler paid a rich ransom - he filled the hall with gold and collected innumerable cocoa beans. But he was executed treacherously. This is how the last ruler of the Aztecs died.

The spears of the Indians against the rifles of the Spaniards is an unequal battle. The price is life. The reward is precious chocolate.

The Spaniards had in their hands a treasure never seen before in Europe. They covered it with mystery and blood: all the Indians who knew the recipe for chocolate were brutally killed. Valuable cocoa beans filled the holds of galleons and went home - to wealth and glory. And the drink of the gods arrived in Spain, which was destined to become the drink of kings. This is how the Spirit of Chocolate began a journey that would bring him the love of the whole world.

Age of Secrets

Cortez's ships entered the Spanish harbor.

The king himself received the general. With precious fragrant grains, Cortes bought forgiveness for his cruelty in America.Spain acquired a drink with unique, almost magical properties - it sharpened the senses, strengthened the spirit and cured diseases.

“Fear the holy Inquisition - it is following you on your heels. Fear the holy Inquisition, she will seize you - because the secret of the drink of kings has been revealed to you! "

The Spaniards - hot-tempered and jealous - guarded the recipe for an overseas drink on pain of death. It was the secret elixir of the royal court, a privilege for the elite.

They could have killed and killed for him.But the Spirit of Chocolate could not languish locked up ...

And one day the European world turned upside down.

Age of intrigue

Spain could not hide the secret of this wonderful drink forever.

Rumors about him circulated throughout Europe throughout the 16th century. Secretive agents besieged the Spanish high society - information about chocolate was stolen and sold, they got caught on it, they died for it.

Meanwhile, the Spanish pastry chefs have worked hard on the Aztec drink. Chocolate was now boiled with sugar, delicate cinnamon and fragrant nutmeg. And it turned out ... divine! Differently than the Indians, but very tasty for the Europeans!Chocolate has become a real delicacy - albeit for a limited circle of wealthy lucky people.The Spaniards did not miss the opportunity to enrich themselves - they began to sell the ready-made drink to other countries. But the recipe was not disclosed. Chocolate kept its own secret. It was too expensive a pleasure - after all, it was transported from across the sea! And selfish officials also introduced a high tax on cocoa beans. And they received a lot of money! No wonder the historian Oviedo sadly remarked: “Only the rich and noble can afford to drink chocolate! Since he literally drinks money! "

Age of epiphanies

1615 violated the increased secrecy of the recipe.

King Louis XIII of France married the Spanish Infanta Anna of Austria. She was in love with chocolate and refused to travel to France without this invigorating drink. And - without her young maid of honor Molina, who knew how to masterly cook hot chocolate. The girl became the first culinary specialist in France - and selected chefs began to gather from all over the country. In order to comprehend the secrets of the chocolate art in the strictest secrecy and get imbued with the Spirit of chocolate!

While chocolate intrigues were brewing in Spain and France, and Europe was suffering without a wonderful drink, Francesco Carletti went for his dream.

He, an Italian traveler, was lucky enough to once drink a divine drink - and he fell under his spell. In search of the secret of chocolate, he crossed the ocean and reached America.

Carletti - to our happiness - did not disappear into obscurity, but returned to his homeland. Italy rejoiced! She fell in love with chocolate and, not afraid to experiment, made it a delicious treat. The Italians did not selfishly hide the miracle - they discovered many "chocolaterias". From here - from sunny and sociable Italy - the Spirit of Chocolate began its triumphal march across Europe. And then - all over the world. Good luck!

Age of Legends

Century XVII, century XVIII. Hot chocolate is no longer a secret on a global scale, it is tasty and affordable, although not cheap. A cup of a fragrant drink is no longer exotic, but a sign of good taste in the high society of Europe. The consumption of chocolate in Europe was limited only to aristocratic circles. Eminent women considered chocolate to be an aphrodisiac. The famous physician Christopher Hoffman treated serious illnesses with chocolate, and many seriously considered the drink a panacea for all illnesses! And he also prolonged life ... But pregnant women were not advised to drink it: they were afraid that children would be born black! :)

Chocolate curiosity: devout Europeans were terribly worried - isn't it a sin to drink hot chocolate while fasting? The drink was brought to Pope Pius V for a sample. The answer was unexpected: “Chocolate does not break the fast in any way. Such filth cannot bring pleasure to someone! " And the whole point is in the bitterness, which the chefs deliberately did not beat off with sugar!

A century of experimentation

In 1659, David Schellu decided to follow in the footsteps of the original American recipe. Precious grains were sorted out and cleaned by hand, fried. They were rubbed with a huge roller, like the devices of the Aztecs, which had long since sunk into oblivion. Then all the necessary ingredients were mixed - and voila! - an enterprising Frenchman has achieved success! It was he who opened the world's first chocolate factory.

In 1819, a real chocolate revolution took place! Swiss Francois Louis Caye was able to get pure cocoa butter! Subtle calculation and amazing luck! Now you can not only drink chocolate, but also eat it! The usual tiled form appeared only in the middle of the 19th century. In 1828, the Dutchman Konrad van Houten patented a hydraulic press with which it was possible to extract butter from cocoa beans. And in 1874 at the English firm "Fry and Sons" they learned how to mix this butter with cocoa powder and sugar. Soon there was a huge demand for new chocolate - in the form of bars. Then, thanks to the innovation of Daniel Peter, milk was added to the chocolate.

Only the industrial production of chocolate made it possible to reduce the price of this product, which, of course, immediately affected the quality, but allowed people of lower classes to join the “food of the gods”.

ARRIVAL OF CHOCOLATE IN RUSSIA

According to one of the versions, Peter I brought chocolate together with coffee to Russia. At the same time, the court order “kofeshenok” appeared - the “caretaker” of coffee, tea and chocolate.

According to another, more believable version, chocolate appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 19th century, when a merchant sent a ship to New York, where, having profitably sold flax, hemp, iron and ship equipment, he acquired a valuable cargo - cocoa - and brought it to Russia. ...

At the end of the 19th century in St. Petersburg, hot chocolate was very popular among aristocrats: it was served to guests who arrived at the ball so that they would warm themselves after a long journey in a shaking carriage in the rain, slush or bitter frost.

It was rumored that Count Shuvalov himself brought this wonderful warming cocktail from England, the land of rains and progress.

Petersburg is the birthplace of Russian chocolate. In the 19th century, for the first time in Russia, the first artisanal chocolate production based on Swiss technology was established.

However, Muscovites dispute this primacy. Indeed, at about the same time, the production of chocolate bars appeared in Moscow, which, however, was under the control of foreigners.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHOCOLATE

1. Chocolate contains substances called flavonoids. As it turned out, this substance is able to maintain normal heart function and blood circulation due to its ability to destroy blood clots, which become the causes of heart attacks and other diseases associated with poor circulation.

2. Cocoa reduces the production of cholesterol, an increased amount of which is harmful to the heart and blood vessels.

3. Chocolate is a natural energy drink (it helps to increase physical and mental activity).

4. Cocoa beans and products made from them (dark dark chocolate) are useful, first of all, because they contain a large amount of strong antioxidants (prevent the appearance of free radicals, slow down the aging process of body cells, stimulate the production of endorphins, "pleasure hormones").

5. Cocoa beans - the richest source of biologically active substances (vitamins: B1, B2, PP, provitamin A; trace elements: calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium; theobromine, phenylethylamine, plant proteins, phytosterols, flavonoids).

6. The consumption of chocolate reduces the likelihood of cancer, stomach ulcers, hay fever and strengthens the body's immune system.

7. Dark chocolates stimulate the release of endorphins - hormones of happiness that affect the pleasure center, improve mood and maintain body tone, but recent studies have shown that chocolate can aggravate disorders in those who are stressed or depressed

8. Research by Finnish scientists has shown that chocolate lovers give birth to happy children.

9. Chocolate helps women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This is due to the magnesium content in chocolate, the lack of which exacerbates PMS.

10. Scientists claim that chocolate can be classified as a health food. Chocolate is not just a delicacy, but also a healthy food product.

11. But what scientists are unanimous about is the denial of the ability of chocolate to reduce body weight! After all, it is well known that chocolate is rich in nutrients, including fat, and therefore calories.

12. Chocolate is loved most in Switzerland: the average inhabitant of this country eats more than 10 kg. chocolate a year!

And yet, many consider it harmful.

The most common "horror stories" about chocolate.

There is too much caffeine in chocolate

In fact, an average chocolate bar contains only about 30 mg of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains at least 180 mg.

Chocolate is very high in calories

This is also a myth. The energy value of one large tile is only 300-450 kcal. And such a tile is not easy to eat alone.

Consuming chocolate leads to acne on the skin

American doctors have proven otherwise. Over the course of several weeks, they fed massive amounts of chocolate to several dozen teenagers. At the same time, half of the subjects received real chocolate, and the other - a surrogate that did not differ from the real one either in taste or in color. There were no acne in either case. Doctors came to the conclusion that their appearance is an individual reaction of the body to various additives.

Chocolate destroys tooth enamel

Any sweets have a destructive effect on the teeth. To neutralize it, you need to brush your teeth after sweet food.

And in chocolate, an antiseptic substance was found that suppresses the activity of bacteria that form tartar. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Institute of Technology added cocoa powder to animal food and concluded that it not only does not cause tooth decay, but it also slows down the development of this disease!

Chocolate contains a lot of cholesterol

This is not true. After all, it is made from cocoa, which is a plant product, and cholesterol is found only in animal products. Therefore, it can only be present in milk chocolate, and then in very small quantities.

Chocolate causes constipation

In fact, this delicacy is capable of having a laxative effect. After all, it contains tannin - a substance that regulates the intestines and promotes the removal of waste from the body.

There are no nutrients in chocolate

It is not true! Some varieties contain vitamins of groups A and B, as well as iron, calcium and potassium necessary for the body. Moreover, chocolate is rich in magnesium. That is why, after eating a tile, we feel a sharp rise in mood. Caffeine, theobromine and tryptophan tone the nervous system, and one of the amino acids contributes to the production of serotonin, the so-called "hormone of happiness".

But that is not all...

American doctors have come to the conclusion that the cocoa beans, from which chocolate is made, contain phenol, which helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. This reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular and kidney disease, type II diabetes and even dementia!

We urge you to enjoy chocolate for your health ...

Sweet tooth, congratulations to Us!