Winter has arrived, and what could be better than a hot cup of refreshing and delectable Cocoa? We annually mark and celebrate National Cocoa Day on December 13th to honor this delicious drink made from cocoa. When I speak of Hot Cocoa, I mean a drink made from a powdered base of cocoa, hot milk or water, and sweetened to taste with sugar, but the most important question is about its health benefits. which is debatable because cocoa is high in nutrients like theobromine, but excessive consumption may cause caffeine-related side effects. Thus, let us begin our journey to learn about cocoa from its roots.
| Event | National Cocoa Day |
|---|---|
| Date | December 13, 2022 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Significance | The day honors and celebrates the Cocoa Drink. |
| Observed by | United States |
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National Cocoa Day 2022: History
When we discuss the history of Hot Cocoa, we are primarily discussing the history of Cocoa. Ancient South American cultures were the first to introduce cocoa, with the Aztecs and Mayans being the first indigenous populations to discover its health benefits. Cocoa-based foods, on the other hand, have been around for thousands of years. Cocoa was consumed as a hot bitter drink, a steamy broth served in a clay cup, by this indigenous civilization.
The word "chocolate" is derived from the Nahuatl words chocolatl and cacahuatl, which mean hot and bitter drink in Nahuatl, an ancient Indigenous language.
The Chocolate was first introduced to Europe by Spanish conquerors in the 16th century on their way to the exploration of the New World, and like the history of Tea, Cocoa became very popular as a health-promoting medicine, and began to be consumed by a large population.
The Spanish were the first to add a sweet and refreshing flavor to this hot bitter drink, and chocolate first arrived in Florida on a Spanish ship in 1641, and the first American chocolate house is thought to have opened in Boston in 1682.
Cocoa Beans have been prepared since ancient times by crushing cocoa beans and removing the fat or cocoa butter, and in today's modern world we know it as a raw product for making everyone's favorite chocolates.
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National Cocoa Day 2022: Significance
Cocoa beans have had a significant impact on many cultures and human populations throughout history, as they were primarily used for trading and were given to warriors as a post-battle reward, as well as served at royal feasts.
Chocolate was a symbol of abundance for the Mayans and Aztecs because it was used in religious rituals dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec god responsible for bringing the cocoa tree to man.
Chocolate was considered an essential part of the upper class' diet in Europe, and their belief in its health benefits was so strong that it was consumed for taste, health, and energy. Whereas the Spaniards used chocolate as a medicine to treat illnesses such as abdominal pain.
Chocolate is consumed by people of all ages in the modern world and is one of the most craved foods worldwide; however, people are now well aware of its health benefits and the dangers of overindulging in it.
Let us now discuss the health benefits of cocoa.
Cocoa powder is high in polyphenols, which are naturally occurring antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits ranging from reducing inflammation to improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Cocoa powder also aids in the reduction of high blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide levels, which may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Learn more health benefits of Cocoa over here.
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National Cocoa Day 2022: Celebration
What better way to celebrate National Cocoa Day than to have it on this cold winter holidays, order your favorite hot Cocoa Drink from Starbucks or simply be the chef for a day and prepare your own one, it's the festive time filled with positivity all arround so why don't go out for family night and to have the favorite drinks, thus use the opportunity of National Cocoa Day to spend memorable time with your family and friends and make your day more happiest.
National Cocoa Day 2022: Facts
On National Cocoa Day, here are some interesting facts about cocoa.
- Cocoa has been around for thousands of years, and it was widely cultivated by the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec peoples more than 3,000 years ago.
- J.S. Fry and Sons, a British chocolatier, is credited with inventing the first chocolate bar in 1847.
- The Swiss consume more chocolate per capita than any other country on the planet, with an average of 22 pounds per person. Each American consumes 11 pounds.
- Do you know that global cocoa production is expected to reach five million tons in the 2021/2022 crop year?
National Cocoa Day 2022: FAQ
1. When is National Cocoa Day observed each year?
On December 13, the United States celebrates National Cocoa Day.
2. Is cocoa good for your health?
Cocoa powder contains theobromine, which helps to reduce inflammation, protects against heat stroke, and improves blood pressure.
3. Is cacao the same as cocoa?
Cacao is the unprocessed form of cocoa.