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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to chocolate

Originally chocolate was a bitter beverage, created by the ancient people of Mesocamerica. They used it in their religious and social lives. This was back in 250-900 AD, known as the Classic Period.

The Mayan people used to harvest the bean from the rainforest that grew around their city. They called the cocoa tree "Cacahuaquchtl" and the chocolate "xocoatl", translated it means "bitter water". They used to ferment and roast the beans. From this they create a paste. By adding water, chilli peppers, cornmeal and other substances, they created a spicy chocolate drink.

Chocolate appeal

There is a chocolate gold rush underway fuelled by increased awareness of a public hungry for good quality, traceable foods, and retailers are at the front line as small independent manufacturers and established confectioners vie for the luxury pound.

There are few people who don't like chocolate, and everyone has their favourite, be it a Kit Kat or an exclusive high cocoa dark bar. Many retailers will need to appeal to both ends of that spectrum, but when faced with the daunting array of "High end" products with price tags to match, how do you distinguish between fool's gold and the real thing?

Finding good filled chocolate

When it comes to choosing filled chocolates, or Pralines, it is really best to find a good chocolatier. Many, if not all high street "luxury" chocolates have elevated sugar content, stabilisers and added vegetable fats to prolong shelf life. It stands to reason then, that the shorter the shelf life from fresh, the most likely it is that the chocolates have been made using fresh cream and butter and minimal sugar or alcohol.

Good filled chocolates generally have a "ganache" based centre (a mixture of chocolate and cream) as opposed to predominantly fondant or toffee centres found in cheaper versions.

Some chocolate benefits

But those unhealthy ingredients are masking a dark healthy chocolate that is filled with antioxidants, flavonoids, and amino acids that can contribute to health and well being. Unprocessed cocoa has antioxidants that can slow the aging process and cellular decay, as well as flavonoids that have been shown to be beneficial to cardiovascular health.

These cardiovascular benefits include improving blood flow, lowering LDL cholesterol, and reducing blood pressure. Dark chocolate also has essential amino acids like tryptophan, as well as alkaloids like theobromine and phenethylamine, all of which can help elevate and regulate moods.

Chocolate for a diet

healthy chocolate - without the additives, sugar, and milk fat - can, indeed, help you lose weight. Eating a nugget with a glass of water about a half our before a meal can quell hunger and satisfy chocolate cravings. You'll eat less at meals and get a boost of nutrients in the process. Similarly, eating a nugget as a snack is a healthy alternative to more calorie-laden fare.

CONCLUSION

Whether you own a pastry shop, or you just simply love cooking chocolate delicacies for your family and friends, you can be sure that good chocolates can satisfy your chocolate cravings. Your chocolate delicacies will be one of the best with good chocolates.