Cocoa beans were used as currency in 1200-1500

90% of chocolates history it was a drink

• Wasn’t until 1828 they started solid chocolate

Comes from the Maya word xocoatl meaning bitter water.

YOU MAY NOT KNOW..

Pods grow on the theobroma cocoa tree

Each pod has about 30-40 seeds

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Harvested & fermented

Dried

Roasted

Separating- Getting rid of the outer shells leaving behind the roasted beans called nibs

Grinding- nibs to Make cocoa liquor

HOW IS IT MADE?

Pressing- Making cocoa powder and cocoa butter from the cocoa liquor.

Dark Chocolate- add chocolate liquor, sugar & vanilla

Milk Chocolate- blend milk, sugar then chocolate liquor.

WERE NOT DONE YET

Conching- kneading process

Tempering- heating and cooling

Molding- were getting closer..

FINALLY SOMETHING WE CAN EAT!

Yes, dark chocolate especially!

Keeps heart and cardiovascular system running well.

• Lowers blood pressure

• Lowers LDL cholesterol

CAN IT BE GOOD FOR YOU?

Stimulates endorphin production

Contains serotonin, an anti-depressant

Contains theobromine & caffeine which are stimulants

MORE BENEFITS

DON’T OVERDOSE

Although good for you-its high in calories

• One bar has at least 400

Only need 3.5 ounces to get the benefits

MOST PROMINENT EFFECT?

Makes you happy!! You need no excuse to have chocolate!

What are you waiting for ???