Some purists like their chocolate dark and bitter; others like it milky, smooth, and sweet. No matter what your flavor preference, on July 7, World Chocolate Day, take a bite.
Established in 2009, World Chocolate Day marks the supposed anniversary of the day that this iconic dessert first came to Europe in 1550. All around the world on this date, candy stores, and local suppliers offer their best-loved merchandise.
The cacao bean, which is responsible for that unmistakably rich flavor we know and love so well, is native to Mexico and South and Central America, but was brought to the U.S. and some European countries to match the high consumer demand for the delicacy. Chocolate comes from the seed of the Theobroma Cacao tree. It has been cultivated for at least three million years.
Around 1 billion people from around the world eat chocolate every day. Besides its great taste, it has tons of health benefits. Although chocolates are recognized as fattening, amazingly they can also aid weight loss and help maintain weight if consumed moderately.
If you are a chocoholic, World Chocolate Day is the perfect excuse to indulge.