The Chocolate Festivals

Chocolate – everyone’s favourite treat!

On average, people in the UK eat 11kg of chocolate each every year, but not many of those people know the long history of this delicious dessert. The ancient Olmecs in Mexico were the first known civilization to use cocoa beans which were first recorded as being seen growing wild in Central America back in 1500 BC, however the Mayans were the first civilization to truly love chocolate. They would grind and roast the beans then mix in chilli, vanilla and spices, making a bitter, cold drink that had a similar consistency to gruel. Hot chocolate fans would be very disappointed in the flavour since it was nothing at all like modern hot chocolate drinks. The Aztec people held the belief that cacao seeds had been given from their god of wisdom, Quetzalcoatl, as a gift, and this meant that the seeds were so valued they were used as money. It was thought to be an aphrodisiac and to endow the person who drank it with extra strength. Emperor Montezuma was a huge fan of the drink and would have as many as 50 cups every day. These drinks still exist today in Southern Mexico and are called Chilate.

Spanish explorers brought cocoa beans to Spain during the 16^th century and for around 200 years it was solely the preserve of the aristocracy and royalty, being drunk with breakfast while still in bed. During the 17^th century, its popularity spread to London where chocolate houses were established and were visited by upper class drinkers. There were 2000 in London alone by the year 1700. Over the last 200 years, chocolate was turned into bars as we know them today, with many of the biggest names in the industry such as Cadbury’s and Fry’s being founded in the 19^th century by Quaker families who were trying to persuade people to turn to chocolate rather than alcohol consumption. European rulers set up cocoa plantations around the world, fuelled by their passions for chocolate’s delicious taste, and by the time the 20^th century came around, chocolate was widespread around the world, and was considered to be so essential that it was even included in war rations of US soldiers!

Over the years, as chocolate grew more accessible, it came to be associated more with romantic gestures. Valentines, conversation hearts and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates along with a rose — these are the symbols of Valentine’s Day for many lovers around the world. Here at valentinesgiftideas.co.uk there are listed amazing gifts that you can give your special lady. Take an advantage and be unique on this February 14th.

The Sweet Similarities between Online Casinos and Chocolate

Online casinos have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering players the opportunity to enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes. And while it may seem like an online casino has little in common with chocolate, there are actually a few surprising similarities.

For one, both online casinos and chocolate provide a sense of indulgence and luxury. Just as a rich, creamy chocolate treat can feel like a decadent indulgence, the thrill of playing a game of blackjack or spinning the reels of a slot machine can feel like a luxurious escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Similarly, both online casinos and chocolate come in a wide variety of flavors and types. Just as there are countless varieties of chocolate to suit every taste preference, there are online casino games to suit every player. Whether you prefer the simplicity of classic slots or the strategic challenge of poker, there’s a game out there for you.

Another interesting parallel between online casinos and chocolate is the idea of moderation. While both can be enjoyable in moderation, too much of either can have negative consequences. In the case of online gambling, it’s important to set limits and gamble responsibly to avoid addiction and financial problems. And with chocolate, while it can be a delicious treat, overindulging can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Of course, there are also some key differences between online casinos and chocolate. For one, while chocolate is a consumable product, the games and experiences offered by online casinos are intangible. And while chocolate is generally considered a harmless indulgence, there is ongoing debate about the potential dangers of online gambling and the need for regulation and safeguards to protect vulnerable players.

Overall, while the worlds of online casinos and chocolate may seem worlds apart at first glance, there are actually a few interesting similarities to consider. Whether you’re a fan of digital gambling or sweet treats, it’s important to approach both with moderation and responsibility for the best possible experience.

Top Chocolate Festivals Around The World

Chocolate is so well loved that numerous festivals are now held in its honour around the world. Some of the best known chocolate festivals include:

Chocolate Show – New York, USA

The biggest American chocolate festival takes place in New York every November and represents a unique opportunity for people to see the different ways in which chocolate can be used. There is a kids zone and even a chocolate fashion show as well as sampling of fine chocolates, demonstrations of cookery using chocolate and book signings.

Chocol-Late Festival – Brugge, Belgium

Belgian chocolate is some of the best known in the world for its quality and delicious taste, so it’s no wonder that one of the top worldwide chocolate festivals would be held there. Every November, the city of Brugge hosts a large celebration of the sweet stuff where visitors can go to a chocolate museum, see chocolate sculptures and art works, taste samples and even paint with chocolate.

Eurochocolate – Umbria, Italy

The world’s biggest chocolate festival is held in Umbria, Italy and has been in existence since 1994. Hosting more than 500,000 chocolate lovers each October, this festival offers cookery classes, tasting sessions, chocolate sculpting and live entertainment as well as an annual awards ceremony for chocolatiers who take pride in using this wonderful ingredient in the most unique way.

Chocolate Fest – New Brunswick, Canada

St Stephens in New Brunswick, Canada was given the official title of Canada’s Chocolate Town in the year 2000 after having over 20 years of chocolate celebrating under its belt. The Chocolate Fest takes place in August every year and lasts for a week while unique activities like a chocolate themed brunch, a chocolate museum, a blindfold taste test, a choctail hour, a parade and a treasure hunt take place.

Chocolate Rush Festival – Melbourne, Australia

Also held in August is the Chocolate Rush Festival in Melbourne which not only gives consumers the chance to taste their favourite treat but to learn more about its production by attending seminars and education classes. Even children are not forgotten with a kids class, and adults can enjoy Fairtrade chocolate and wine pairing sessions.

Fascinating Chocolate Facts

Although the UK is a nation of chocolate lovers, it only has the 7^th highest chocolate consumption in the world at around 3 bars each week per person. The Swiss are the world’s top consumers, and 40% of all of the chocolate eaten worldwide is consumed in Europe. Most chocolate is eaten as a snack between meals, and over a fifth of all chocolate is eaten during the evening, between the hours of 8pm and midnight. There are now countless companies which produce chocolate all over the world, and several of these are now Fairtrade companies which source their cocoa beans responsibly. The chocolate industry in the UK is very lucrative, being worth almost £4 billion a year, and chocolate sales continue growing, with a projected increase of 35% in sales over the next 5 years. An amazing number of chocolate products are created every year, with around 8000 new products being introduced globally every year.

It’s no wonder that dark chocolate has proved to be so popular in the last few years since it has been found to contain over 300 different chemicals including minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium that are essential for human health. One cup of cocoa made with pure cocoa powder contains twice the amount of antioxidants as that contained in green tea and it also contains the natural painkiller dopamine as well as serotonin which boosts feelings of happiness. Surveys have even revealed that people in the UK prefer eating chocolate to taking a holiday overseas, with a small gift of chocolate being listed in the top five ranking of the Happy Poll. It’s easy to see, then, why giving chocolate as a gift has long been a popular choice, both in the past and today.