- The word 'Chocolate' comes from the nahuatl word ‘xocolatl’. This means 'bitter water'.
- Chocolate is derived from cacoa (cocoa) beans.
- Emperor Montezuma of Mexico partook a Chocolate drink before entering his harem.
- A single chocolate chip can provide enough energy for an adult human to walk 45 meters (150 ft).
- Chocolate does not appear to raise blood cholesterol.
- Chocolate does not cause acne.
- Chocolate contains an ingredient called "Theobromine" which can be toxic to a dogs central nervous system and cardiac muscles.
- The average Swiss eats 9.5 kg (21 pounds) a year.
- Each person in the US consumes (5.4 kg) 12 pounds of chocolate each year.
- Allergies to chocolate are very uncommon.
- U.S. manufacturers use 1.6 million kg (3.5 million pounds) of whole milk every day to make chocolate.
- Chocolate has over 500 flavor components. This is double the amount found in strawberry and vanilla.
- Chocolate is very sensitive to temperature and humidity. Ideal storage temperatures are between 15 and 17° C (59 and 63° F), with a relative humidity of less than 50 percent.
- Consumers worldwide spend more than $20 billion a year on Chocolate.
- On Valentine's Day, a box of chocolates is traditional, usually presented with flowers and a greeting card.
- Cocoa or dark chocolate benefits the circulatory system.
- A study reported by the BBC indicated that melting chocolate in one's mouth produced an increase in brain activity and heart rate that was more intense than that associated with passionate kissing, and also lasted 4 times as long after the activity had ended.
Some facts about chocolate
