How does bitter chocolate become sweet? Where is its stronghold in India?

The history of chocolate is said to be 4,000 years old.

Have you ever thought about how bitter the chocolate is, the sweetness of which makes the mind happy as soon as it melts in the mouth? Actually the taste of chocolate is bitter, but its bitterness is reduced through processing. Interestingly, bitter chocolate itself has more antioxidants. It is considered better for heart and skin. Chocolate is being discussed because every year on October 28, National Chocolate Day is celebrated in America.

On the occasion of National Chocolate Day, let us know how chocolate was discovered, what are its benefits, how bitter chocolate is made sweet and where in India is cocoa grown from which chocolate is made?

Who discovered chocolate?

The history of chocolate dates back 4,000 years to ancient Mesoamerica, present-day Mexico, the birthplace of chocolate. It was here that cocoa plants were first found, from which chocolate is made. The Olmecs, one of the most ancient civilizations of Latin America, were the first to transform the cacao plant into chocolate. They drank chocolate drink during rituals and used it as medicine.

Centuries later, the Maya civilization described chocolate as the drink of the gods. Chocolate was a revered beverage of the Maya civilization, made by mixing roasted and ground cacao seeds with chili, water, and corn flour. The Maya people poured this mixture from one vessel to another and created a thick, frothy drink called “xocolatl,” which means “bitter water.”

By the 15th century, the Aztecs used cocoa beans as currency. They believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods, and they also drank it as a refreshing drink to prepare for war.

No one knows for sure when chocolate came to Europe. Legend has it that explorer Hernán Cortés brought chocolate to his homeland of Spain in 1528. It is believed that Cortes discovered chocolate during his trip to America. While searching for gold and wealth, he found a cup of cocoa given to him by the Aztec emperor.

When Cortés returned home, he introduced the Spanish people to cocoa beans. Although Spanish chocolates were served as drinks there, sugar and honey were added to them to sweeten their naturally bitter taste. Chocolate soon became popular among the rich and wealthy people of Spain. Even Catholic monks were fond of chocolate and drank it during religious rituals. Gradually its scope increased and it became popular all over the world.

What is it about chocolate that makes it bitter?

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans. Cocoa beans contain caffeine, theobramine and polyphenols. These are responsible for its bitterness. If chocolate is made directly from this cocoa and given to people, they will refuse to eat it and the reason for this is bitterness. This is the reason why companies, after making changes in it, present it in different forms in the market.

To remove the bitterness of chocolate, it is put through various processes. First of all it is passed through the process of fermentation. After this it is roasted. Both these processes work to reduce its bitterness. Along with this, it enhances the aroma and taste. Now its bitterness is removed by adding sugar and milk to it.

Which chocolate is better among dark, milk or white?

Chocolate is usually available in three forms in the market. The first is dark, the second is white and the third is milk. Now the question is which chocolate is better to eat. Let us know this also.

• dark chocolate: The level of cocoa in it is high. Both sugar and milk are less. In some cases milk is not even added. It is rich in antioxidants, which are very beneficial for the heart. Due to less sugar, it is better for the skin. However, calories and fat are not reduced, so it is better to take it in limited quantity.
• White Chocolate: It contains less cocoa and more sugar-fat. Generally children are crazy about it because it is not bitter. People who are troubled by increasing weight due to high sugar content or want to control sugar, should take it only in very limited quantities.
• milk chocolate: Since it contains the least amount of cocoa solids, very little flavonoids are found in it. At the same time, both sugar and fat are present in very high quantities. Therefore, it does not provide any nutrients of any kind.

Is cocoa grown in India?

The cocoa from which chocolate is made is also produced in India. It is produced in southern states like Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka are at the forefront in terms of production. The hot and humid climate in these areas is ideal for cocoa cultivation. The 2023 report of the World Population Review says, India every year Produces 30,000 tonnes of cocoa.

Who is at the forefront in growing cocoa from which chocolate is made?

Figures: From the 2023 report of the World Population Review

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