When and how is Chocolate Day celebrated? World Chocolate Day: A Love Story National Chocolate Day

The authorship of the celebration of the sweetest day in the calendar belongs to the French. It was they who first celebrated the chocolate celebration on a grand scale in 1995. And although they were not the pioneers of "chocolate happiness", their many years of devoted love for a wonderful confectionery dessert is beyond doubt. So, back in the 18th century, about 500 establishments were opened in France, the menu of which included exclusively “chocolate positions”. Then the baton of the holiday was picked up by Europeans and Americans. The average annual consumption of a resident of the United States is more than 13 kilograms.

The history of impeccable delicacy

Invented chocolate drink, according to one version, the Aztecs. They consumed it in huge quantities - several cups a day. But we owe the large-scale planting of cocoa plantations to the Mexicans. However, neither of them thought to add sugar cane to the drink. Enterprising Spaniards began to add cinnamon, nutmeg to it and gave it sweetness. They kept their recipe in the strictest confidence for more than 50 years.

However, smugglers have established European channels and transported the miracle drink there. It was an unaffordable luxury due to the incredibly high price, so only aristocratic families could taste it. By order of Anna of Austria, boxes of cocoa beans were delivered to France, and a virtuoso chocolatier was hired. Noble ladies believed that chocolate is a powerful aphrodisiac. Madame Pompadour herself called him nothing more than a burning source of love passions.

In the 16th century, Belgian pharmacists began to brew a special medicinal chocolate. It included medicinal herbs, oils and flowers. The traditional hard bar was first produced by the British in the 1850s, while milk and white chocolate were invented by the Swiss. But the price for it was still prohibitively high, and only in the 20th century did chocolate become available to wide social circles.

In the Soviet Union, chocolate was long condemned and classified as a bourgeois dessert. The merchant Abrikosov managed to establish mass production, who came up with chocolate collections with images of famous artists, as well as sweets in funny wrappers, and the legendary chocolate Santa Clauses and hares. The first truly folk chocolate was "Alenka".

Interesting Facts

Chocolate ingredients promote relaxation and psychological relaxation. They trigger the release of endorphins and dramatically improve mood. There is an opinion that chocolate slows down the aging process. Despite the calorie content, even nutritionists recommend it, however, in moderation.

In most countries, the expression "everything in chocolate" means that life is good, everything turned out in the best possible way. The taste of chocolate, due to the presence of a strong stimulant phenamine, causes an indescribable feeling, identical to falling in love. The most unusual is Chicago chocolate. There are varieties with the taste of hot pepper, bacon and mushrooms. Famous chocolatiers have unique skills - they are able to recognize more than 400 cocoa flavors.

Holiday traditions

On Chocolate Day, sales volumes of the most delicious dessert increase significantly. On the holiday, it is customary to hold festivals, fairs, tastings, master classes, competitions with prizes and treats. Factories and confectioneries organize Open Days, where they talk about the mysteries of making sweets and demonstrate how a “real miracle” is born from milk, cocoa and berry fillings.

On this day, grandiose cocoa parties are often held with cascades of sweets, chocolate desserts and fondue. Girls are offered chocolate spa wraps, massages and baths. Thematic holidays and chocolate quests are organized for children with the search for treasures in the form of delicious gold coins. Another popular format is chocolate body art, when people paint each other with chocolate icing, and then hold a fashion show where the jury rewards models with the most interesting body art.

In Russia, chocolate museums located in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Pokrov are becoming a platform for large-scale celebrations. In the Vladimir region, there was even a grand opening of the chocolate monument. Russians also host chocolate parties, fashion runways displaying chocolate-colored clothes, and "edible displays" with chocolate cities—precise sculptures of people, models of houses, and vehicles.

Medical dates calendar

Chocolate is not only tasty, but also healthy!

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

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

His homeland is Central America.

And what wonderful fruits this tree bears!

Elongated, of different colors - from green to red, from yellow to purple - they grow directly 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 see three times at once: childhood, youth and maturity.

No wonder chocolate is considered the elixir of eternal youth. The botanical name of the cocoa tree comes from the Greek words theos (god) and broma (food), as well as the Native American word cacao. Thus, cocoa is nothing but 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 Cacao, did not always turn green in earthly gardens - only the Gods enjoyed the wondrous drink from its fruits...

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

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

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

THE HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE: A JOURNEY FROM CENTURY TO CENTURY

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's in every chocolate bar you eat for dessert, it's in every sip of a thick hot drink.

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

The wheel turns round: history turns...

But one day the Age of the Gods ended. The great gods turned away from the Indians - they went to their luxurious palaces on top of the world. And when foreigners arrived, they were received with open arms, thinking that they were messengers of the gods. And the final battle of the Aztecs came...

Age of discovery

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

Year 1517. Hernan Cortés, a cunning and cruel Spaniard, conquered all of Mexico. The Indians brought gold - it was not enough for him and his army, and they robbed more and more new cities and villages. But the Aztecs had one more treasure - and Cortes tasted the chocolatl prepared by the priests. It was liquid magic! The Spaniards were eager to know the secret recipe - he was elicited from Montezuma. Once a proud ruler paid a rich ransom - he filled the hall with gold and collected innumerable cocoa beans. But he was treacherously executed. So died the last ruler of the Aztecs

Spears of the Indians against the rifles of the Spaniards - 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 secrets and blood: all the Indians who knew the recipe for chocolate were brutally killed. Valuable cocoa beans filled the holds of the galleons and went home - to wealth and glory. And the drink of the gods arrived in Spain, which fate destined to become the drink of kings. So the Spirit of Chocolate began a journey that would bring him the love of the whole world.

Age of secrets

The ships of Cortes entered the Spanish harbor.

The king himself received the commander. With precious fragrant grains, Cortes redeemed 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 - she is on your heels. Fear the holy Inquisition, she will seize you - because you have revealed the secret of the drink of kings!

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

They could and did kill 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 forever hide the secret of a wonderful drink.

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

Meanwhile, Spanish confectioners have worked hard on the Aztec drink. Chocolate was now brewed with sugar, tender cinnamon and fragrant nutmeg. And it turned out ... divine! Different than the Indians, but very tasty for the Europeans!Chocolate has become a real delicacy - however, for a limited circle of wealthy lucky ones.The Spaniards did not miss the chance to get rich - they began to sell ready-made drink to other countries. But the recipe was not released. Chocolate kept its own secret. It was too expensive - after all, it was brought from across the sea! And mercenary officials also introduced a high tax on cocoa beans. And they made 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 insight

1615 violated the increased secrecy of the recipe.

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

While chocolate intrigues were brewing in Spain and France, and Europe was suffering without a wonderful drink, Francesco Carletti went after 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 opened a lot of "chocolateries". 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

17th century, 18th century. Hot chocolate is no longer a world-class secret, it is tasty and affordable, although not cheap. A cup of fragrant drink is no longer exotic, but a sign of good taste in European high society. The consumption of chocolate in Europe was limited only to aristocratic circles. Prominent women considered chocolate an aphrodisiac. The famous doctor Christopher Hoffman treated serious illnesses with chocolate, and many seriously considered the drink a panacea for all diseases! And he also extended life ... But pregnant women were not advised to drink it: they were afraid that children would be born dark-skinned! :)

Chocolate curiosity: devout Europeans were terribly worried - is it not a sin to drink hot chocolate during fasting? The drink was brought to Pope Pius V - for testing. The answer was unexpected: “Chocolate does not break the fast. Such nastiness cannot bring pleasure to someone! And the whole point is the bitterness, which the cooks deliberately did not beat off with sugar!

Age of experimentation

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

In 1819 there was a real chocolate revolution! The Swiss François Louis Caille was able to get pure cocoa butter! Fine 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 Conrad van Houten patented a hydraulic press that could be used to extract oil from cocoa beans. And in 1874, the English company Fry and Sons 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 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”.

THE ARRIVAL OF CHOCOLATE TO RUSSIA

According to one version, chocolate was brought to Russia along with coffee by Peter I. At the same time, the court rank of “coffee” appeared - the “caretaker” of coffee, tea and chocolate.

According to another, more plausible 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 gear, he acquired a valuable cargo - cocoa - and brought it to Russia .

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

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

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

However, Muscovites dispute this championship. Indeed, at about the same time, the production of bar chocolate 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 support the normal functioning of the heart and blood circulation due to its ability to destroy blood clots, which cause heart attacks and other diseases associated with circulatory disorders.

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 booster (helps increase physical and mental activity).

4. Cocoa beans and products made from them (bitter 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 are the richest source of biologically active substances (vitamins: B1, B2, PP, provitamin A; trace elements: calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium; theobromine, phenylethylamine, vegetable proteins, phytosterols, flavonoids).

6. Consumption of chocolate reduces the likelihood of cancer, stomach ulcers, hay fever and strengthens the body's immunity.

7. Dark chocolates stimulate the release of endorphins, happy hormones that act on the pleasure center, improve mood and keep the body toned, but recent research has 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 during premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This is due to the content of magnesium in chocolate, the lack of which exacerbates PMS.

10. Scientists claim that chocolate can be listed as a health food. Chocolate is not just a treat, 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 fats, and therefore calories.

12. Chocolate is loved the 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.

Chocolate has too much caffeine

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

Chocolate is 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.

Chocolate consumption leads to acne on the skin

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

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 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology added cocoa powder to animals and came to the conclusion that not only does it 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 can have a laxative effect. After all, it contains tannin - a substance that regulates the functioning of the intestines and contributes to the removal of waste products from the body.

There are no health benefits in chocolate.

It is not true! Some varieties contain vitamins A and B, as well as iron, calcium and potassium necessary for the body. In addition, 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 promotes the production of serotonin, the so-called "happiness hormone".

But that's not all...

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

We urge you to enjoy chocolate for health ...

Sweet tooth, congratulations!

Chocolate is a favorite treat among children and adults. He is revered all over the world. There are many varieties of this dessert. It is used not only as a dish, but also as a medicine and as a cosmetic. To honor chocolate, chocolate day is celebrated all over the world. The event is unofficial. It is celebrated on July 11th.

history of the holiday

Chocolate is called the "food of the gods". Its history goes back over three thousand years. The first mention of this delicacy dates back to 1500 BC. e. During this period, the Olmec civilization existed within the boundaries of present-day Mexico. The language of these people had the word "kakawa", which was used to name a drink made from cocoa beans and plain water.

This recipe was adopted by the Maya. From the language of this tribe "chocoatl" - "bitter water". A drink made from cocoa beans had a piquant and very unusual taste. To prepare a bitter, viscous liquid, spices, aromatic herbs were used, and corn flour was added. In Europe, information about chocolate appeared thanks to Columbus.

20 years after the traveler brought the recipe, the taste of chocolate was appreciated, which served as its ubiquitous distribution. The tradition of celebrating this day was invented by people who liked this delicacy. They were French people. The idea appeared in the mid-nineties of the last century, in 1995. Initially, the event was national. Later, the tradition took root in other countries, becoming international.

Real sweet tooth will always find a reason to eatfavorite sweets. But there is a special day when chocolate becomes the center of everyone's attention and you can eat it by the sea without worrying about extra calories.

This day is not everyone's favorite New Year or their own birthday. The sweetest, most delicious, most favorite holiday of the sweet tooth has become Chocolate Day, which is celebrated around the world on July 11.

#When World Chocolate Day is celebrated: the history of the holiday

But there is no explanation for the choice of the date for celebrating World Chocolate Day.
Probably, summer, warm weather, which is important for growing chocolate trees, played a role in choosing the date.

A year later, lovers of the divine dessert from Europe and America joined the French.

And the Americans liked the sweet idea so much that they now honor chocolate on October 28 and July 7 as well.

Chocolate Day in Russia and other post-Soviet countries is also celebrated on July 11 in accordance with the international calendar.

#History of chocolate

The ancient delicacy has earned attention not only due to its taste, but also due to its centuries-old history.

The first chocolate desserts appeared several millennia ago and were served in the form of drinks.

Such a treat was called the "food of the gods" and was invented by the Maya Indians, the Aztecs.

Cooking " divine drink» from the beans of the cocoa tree, which grows only near the equator. The hot and humid climate of Ghana, Brazil, Malaysia is the most suitable for growing cocoa trees. The botanical name sounds like Theobroma cacao, which translates from Greek as God(theos)and food(broma). So not only the Indians of the ancient tribes of the Aztecs and Mayans called chocolate "divine food".

They not only revered cocoa, but also prayed to its god, believing in a strengthening and miraculous power.

Later, the Mayan beliefs were adopted by the Aztecs, who conquered these lands.
For their leader Montezuma, the drink became so beloved that he could drink up to fifty cups of bitter delicacy in a day.

Chocolate was appreciated by Cortes, who landed on the shores of Mexico in 1519.
To soften the bitterness, white guests began to add cane sugar to the drink.

Delivering beans to Europe, the Spaniards came up with improved recipes for chocolate with the addition of cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg. The drink got a new name black gold».

The price of a cup of chocolate drink was really fabulous.
Only noble persons could taste it, who purposefully visited Spain for this.
The recipe was kept secret for a long time.

But the Spaniards could not save the recipe for "Black Gold".

Thanks to smugglers, it gets to Italy by the end of the 16th century, and from there to other European countries.

Anna of Austria played a significant role in the prevalence of chocolate, who, having arrived in France as the wife of Louis XIII, brought with her several boxes of unusual beans.
Her personal chocolatier brewed an amazing drink, which was appreciated not only by the king of France, but also by the courtiers.

The popularity of the drink quickly reached incredible heights, ahead of the French love for tea and coffee.

It was in France that flocks of specialized chocolate cafes were opened, of which there were more than 500 by the middle of the 18th century. But the drink remained the prerogative of the rich and noble for a long time.

Chocolate was considered not only a delicious delicacy, but also healing. Chocolatiers came up with their own unique recipes, and for Louis XVI, the chocolate master prepared a drink with the addition of medicinal herbs, flower petals, and essential oils.

The British were the first to come up with the idea of ​​adding milk to chocolate in the 18th century. It was a real revolutionary breakthrough among confectioners.

But in Belgium, pharmacists began to brew chocolate as a healing potion. Until the middle of the 19th century, chocolate dessert was prepared only in liquid form.

The British, after inventing a way to extract oil from beans, introduced the world to the first bar of chocolate.

Milk chocolate began to be prepared in Switzerland only in 1875. But these delicacies remained inaccessible to the common people. Only in 1930 the world saw white chocolate.

The delicacy has long been associated with bourgeois remnants, which was explained by its high cost.

The domestic pioneer is the merchant Abrikosov, who was able to create the production of chocolate.

His factory produced funny candies in colorful wrappers and collectible sets. He owns the idea of ​​chocolate Santa Clauses and hares, as well as the recipe for "Duck noses" and "Goose feet", "Cancer necks".

The famous "Alenka" has become a national chocolate, which has not lost its popularity even today.

It is produced by many confectionery factories, but the name has practically remained the original. In Ukraine you can meet "Olenka", and in Belarus "Beloved Alenka".

Today, chocolate is the collective name for confectionery made from cocoa products and sugar.

The recipes use many different ingredients in the form of whole or chopped nuts, milk powder, cream, fruits, raisins, and other confectionery additives.

Factories arrange not only tastings, but also allow guests to participate in the process of preparing desserts.

In Russia, three museums have been opened in honor of chocolate, which are located in the capitals and in the city of Pokrov. There is also a monument to a chocolate bar - "Bronze Fairy", and in 2009 the largest celebration was held.

The celebration of chocolate in large and not very cities is trying to be held on a large scale.
In honor of the favorite delicacy, unusual and exciting events are organized.

Fairs are organized where you can buy unusual treats or show people your desserts.

And in Ukraine in 2014, a chocolate festival was held, where, in addition to the traditional fair and performances by chocolatiers and sculptors, a confectioners' championship was held.

An unusual entertainment was invented for the kids, which made it possible to assemble a steam locomotive from chocolate wagons, which went on a journey through a real chocolate country.

In Switzerland, in honor of the holiday, you can ride a chocolate train. During an unusual journey, you can learn the history of Swiss chocolate.

#Happy Birthday chocolate: how to spend your chocolate day?

The opinion about chocolate as a “sweet drug” is not unreasonable, because chocolate is really addictive and addictive.

Chocolate contains antioxidants that can fight aging and resist cancer.

Chocolate can reduce pain.

Everyone knows the ability of dark chocolate to stimulate the synthesis of endorphins.
Happiness hormones act on the pleasure centers, improving mood and psychological state.

The delicacy is rich in fats, which undoubtedly affects its calorie content.
But knowing the measure, you can enjoy healthy and tasty chocolate with pleasure, without worrying about the consequences on the sides.

And on chocolate day, giving up your favorite treat is just silly.

There are many ideas on how to spend a chocolate holiday.

The most common option is chocolate party or party.

Invite friends with a sweet tooth or organize a holiday for children.

Of course, sweets, cakes, drinks, desserts will serve as treats.

Chocolate must be present everywhere. Make a chocolate fountain or chocolate fondue the centerpiece of the celebration.

Do not forget to congratulate friends and relatives whose professional activities are related to the production of the famous delicacy on Chocolate Day.

Yes, and just to friends, children, beloved girlfriend, it would be useful to give small chocolate presents.

#Interesting facts related to chocolate