Diamonds are a girl’s bestfriend. But in real life, ‘Chocolates are a girl’s bestfriend’ sounds so much closer to the truth.
This food, which should probably have its own tier in the food pyramid (or more like its own pedestal), has been known as the go-to comfort food of men and women, both young and old. And its appeal is quite obvious — chocolates are quite divine no matter how they are served, whether baked as a cake, poured in a bottle as a drink, or eaten as a simple chocolate bar. Recipes with chocolate as ingredient get the most attention, making it the ultimate flavor of decadence.
But did you know that chocolates have been used through the years as more than just flavor for your dessert? We’ve listed down our favorites in this cool mix of chocolate ideas you might be interested in knowing, or perhaps trying?
1. A weekend getaway
Imagine going on a weekend vacation in a place where chocolate is king: Choco-themed rooms, chocolate treats everyday, all the choco chip pancakes you want for breakfast, wine and chocolate tasting in the afternoon, not to mention the must-try chocolate slide. Sounds good? Check out this hotel.
2. Body paint
Chocolate is known for being rich in anti-oxidants which actually equates to ‘very good for the skin.’ So of course it’s only natural that we slather ourselves with this decadent spread. But more than just giving our skin some extra nutrients, chocolate body paint is known to kick our mood for love up a notch. Check out more of this chocolate treat.
3. Fake blood
Not exactly what you have in mind right? But apparently, chocolates was used generously in horror movies like Psycho and Night of the Living Dead as main ingredient for fake blood. So that’s actually a lot of chocolate. The set apparently used generous amounts of Bosco Chocolate syrup to make the gory scenes believable. Check out more about this gore.
4. Money
As one of the most tradable goods in the world (almost as popular as coffee), chocolate was once used as a valuable trading commodity. Mayans and Aztecs have been recorded to use cocoa beans for trade and for paying taxes. And like coffee, it would also be good to support chocolate products backed by Fair Trade. Find out more about Fair Trade in the article: Why Fair Trade should matter to you.
5. Fighting tooth decay
No that’s not a typo. I’m pretty sure there’s not much dentists out there who actually tell patients to eat more sweets, but apparently a substance from dark chocolate actually works better than flouride when it comes to protecting your pearly whites. Of course, we don’t mean that you should gobble up all the lip-smacking bars you see on the shelves. There are actually select choices that you should consider. Find more HERE.
6. To wrap bacon with
Because bacon is love. And chocolate is love. And really, we need more love in the world. The bacon goodness is said to have originated in Sta. Cruz, California — by accident no less. See more of this bacon goodness.
7. Lowers blood pressure
Those wonderful polyphenols from dark chocolates apparently helps in lowering blood pressure. So regular but controlled intake of chocolates will truly give your heart some good. Have a glass of red wine to go with it. Read here for more benefits of chocolate.
8. Boosting your brain
If you feel the urge to grab a chocolate bar when you’re suffering from writer’s block or when you’re feeling stressed at work, then don’t stop yourself and indulge. Flavanol, which cocoa is well-known for, is said to help boost blood circulation in the brain — instant mind exercise! Now we have more reasons to love this snack. Find out here for more of its choco brain-boosting advantages.
9. A lip balm
Are you planning on a kiss to end all kisses? Then a chocolate lip balm is just the thing you need. Follow this recipe from food.com and you’re on your way to unforgettable chocolate kisses. Get it HERE.
10. Gourmet ingredient
Aside from constantly being paired with luxury goods like wine, cheese and decadent fruits, chocolates is now regarded in the food industry as a gourmet ingredient. Chocolates are no longer the strict sweet variety. It is now infused by a number of exquisite flavors like chili, truffle, gouda cheese, tabacco, absinth, and gold. And yes, don’t forget the bacon. Here are more flavors.
How is chocolate made?
The journey of chocolate from bean to bar is a fascinating process that involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of how chocolate is made:
- Harvesting: Chocolate starts with cacao beans, which are found in the pods of cacao trees. These trees grow in tropical climates, primarily in West Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Harvesters cut the pods from the tree, carefully removing the cacao beans and surrounding pulp.
- Fermentation: Once harvested, the beans are placed in shallow containers to ferment for several days. This process is crucial, developing the beans’ flavor and reducing bitterness. Fermentation also helps separate the beans from the pulp, making them easier to dry.
- Drying: After fermentation, the beans are spread out in the sun to dry. This step typically takes about a week and helps reduce moisture content, which is essential for preventing mold during storage.
- Roasting: Dried cacao beans are then roasted at controlled temperatures. Roasting enhances the flavor and aroma of the beans while loosening the outer shell. The length and temperature of roasting can significantly impact the chocolate’s final taste.
- Winnowing: Once roasted, the beans undergo winnowing, which removes the outer shells. What remains are cacao nibs, which are small pieces of the bean packed with flavor and fat (cocoa butter).
- Grinding: The cacao nibs are ground into a thick chocolate liquor or cocoa mass paste. This mixture contains both cocoa solids and cocoa butter. The chocolate liquor can be further processed depending on the desired end product.
- Conching: The chocolate liquor is continuously mixed and aerated during conching to refine the texture and flavor. This process can take several hours and helps eliminate bitterness while creating a smooth consistency.
- Tempering: Tempering is a critical step in making chocolate bars. The chocolate is heated and cooled to stabilize the cocoa butter crystals, resulting in a shiny finish and a satisfying snap when broken.
- Molding and Cooling: The tempered chocolate is poured into molds to create bars or other shapes. Once cooled, the chocolate is removed from the molds, packaged, and ready for sale.
Key Insights
- Versatile Use of Chocolate: Chocolate’s application extends far beyond just being a delightful dessert ingredient. It has been creatively utilized in various innovative and practical ways.
- Health Benefits: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and polyphenols, which contribute to skin health, reduce blood pressure, and even protect against tooth decay.
- Historical Significance: Chocolate has a rich history as a valuable trading commodity, especially among the Mayans and Aztecs, who used cocoa beans for trade and taxation.
- Culinary Innovation: The culinary world has embraced chocolate as a gourmet ingredient, pairing it with diverse and luxurious flavors such as chili, truffle, and even bacon.
- Mood and Cognitive Boost: Chocolate is known to elevate mood and enhance brain function, thanks to compounds like flavanol that improve blood circulation in the brain.
FAQ
- How is chocolate beneficial for the skin? Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is rich in antioxidants which are beneficial for the skin. These antioxidants help in nourishing the skin and can also boost mood when used as body paint.
- What role did chocolate play in historical trade? Chocolate was a valuable commodity in ancient times, especially among the Mayans and Aztecs. Cocoa beans were used as a form of currency for trade and even for paying taxes.
- Can chocolate really help in fighting tooth decay? Yes, a substance found in dark chocolate has been found to be more effective than fluoride in protecting teeth. However, it is essential to consume it in moderation and choose the right type of chocolate.
- What makes chocolate a gourmet ingredient? Chocolate is considered a gourmet ingredient because it can be paired with various luxury goods such as wine, cheese, and fruits. Additionally, it is now being infused with unique flavors like chili, truffle, and gouda cheese.
- How does chocolate affect blood pressure? Dark chocolate contains polyphenols which help in lowering blood pressure. Regular but controlled intake of dark chocolate can contribute positively to heart health.
- Why is chocolate used in horror movies as fake blood? Chocolate syrup, particularly Bosco Chocolate syrup, has been used in classic horror movies like “Psycho” and “Night of the Living Dead” to create realistic-looking fake blood due to its color and consistency.
- Is it true that chocolate can boost brain function? Yes, chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains flavanol which helps in improving blood circulation to the brain. This can enhance cognitive function and provide a mental boost.
- How did the combination of bacon and chocolate come about? The combination of bacon and chocolate is said to have originated accidentally in Santa Cruz, California. This pairing has since become popular due to the contrasting flavors of sweet chocolate and savory bacon.
- What is a chocolate-themed weekend getaway? A chocolate-themed weekend getaway typically involves staying in a hotel with choco-themed rooms, enjoying chocolate treats daily, and participating in activities like chocolate tastings and even a chocolate slide.
- Can chocolate really be used as lip balm? Yes, chocolate can be used to make lip balm. It provides a unique and pleasant flavor while also offering moisturizing benefits. There are recipes available for making chocolate lip balm at home.
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It's a great read! I am aware that chocolate was among the currencies of the ancient world. But what I did not saw coming was chocolate as a bacon wrap. Seriously, I can't even think what it bacon with chocolate tastes like and I for sure won't try it.
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