International Chocolate Day

International Chocolate Day: Celebrate this holiday with real chocolate

International Chocolate Day

International Chocolate Day is celebrated on September 13th. It is celebrated on the birthday of the famous writer Roald Dahl, who loved chocolate and immortalized it in world literature with his famous book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It has been celebrated since 2009.

Celebrating this day is an opportunity not only to taste chocolate but also to discover new flavors and recipes. It is a day when we can stop and think about the history of chocolate and the journey it has taken from the ancient civilizations of the Americas, where chocolate was consumed mainly in the form of a drink, until today. I always remember the farmers and cooperatives. Without their care for the cocoa beans, no great chocolate would ever be created.

World Chocolate Day

World Chocolate Day, which falls on July 7th, has a slightly different origin. This day is associated with the date when chocolate first arrived in Europe in the 16th century. World Chocolate Day is an opportunity to celebrate chocolate and its global legacy. People all over the world celebrate this day in various ways, from chocolate festivals and fairs to tastings and educational events focused on the history and production of chocolate.

Both of these days emphasize the importance of chocolate in our lives and cultures. In some cultures in the past, cocoa beans even served as currency.

And did you know this about chocolate?

Chocolate production and the bean-to-bar process

Chocolate production is a complex process that begins with growing cocoa on plantations. The fruits of the cocoa tree are harvested and the cocoa beans (which are actually seeds) are fermented and dried. The cocoa beans then travel to chocolate makers and large-scale producers. And why is bean-to-bar chocolate the best? Because it is created from start to finish by a single producer who has the entire process under control.

Health benefits of chocolate

Chocolate contains certain substances that are beneficial to our health. High-quality dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, chocolate can promote a good mood, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress.

How to properly taste chocolate

Chocolate tasting is a true art. The correct way to taste involves all the senses. We observe the appearance of the chocolate, smell it, listen for the snap when a piece is broken off, and then perceive its taste and texture. Different types of bean-to-bar chocolates differ in flavor notes, and tasting allows us to discover these differences.

Farmers

In addition to celebrating chocolate, these days also serve as a reminder of the need for sustainable cultivation and fair trade of cocoa beans. Protecting the rights of cocoa farmers and fighting against child labor in the cocoa industry are important topics that should be discussed. You can support initiatives that improve the living conditions of cocoa farmers and their families. At the same time, it is an opportunity to enjoy chocolate that was produced ethically and sustainably using cocoa beans from transparent sources.