It’s mid-December. Baby, It’s cold outside. It’s only fitting, that today is National Cocoa Day. This December 13 holiday is also called National Hot Chocolate Day. There’s nothing better to do on a cold winter’s night than to sit by the fire with a mug full of hot cocoa.
Did You Know? There is a basic difference between cocoa and hot chocolate. Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, which comes from roasted cacao beans minus the cocoa butter. Hot chocolate is made from melted chocolate. Many people do not know this distinction. And, many people do not care. They only care that both drinks are delicious.
The ancient Mayans created the first chocolate beverages more than 2,000 years ago. It was called “Xocolatl”. By 1,400 A.D., when European explorers first arrived, they found cocoa was an important part of the Aztec civilization. In addition to being part of their diet, cocoa was used medicinally. It aids in digestion. It is loaded with antioxidants, which help prevent cancer.
Cocoa Trivia
- The Swiss consume the most cocoa, about 22 pounds per person per year.
- Pure cocoa has little or no sugar.
- In comparison, the average American consumes just 11 pounds per year.
- Cocoa comes from the cacao tree. Therefore, it is a vegetable!
- Cacao trees are native to hot, rainy, tropical regions.
- Ancient Aztec tribes called it “xocolatl”, which translates to “Bitter Water”.
- Aztec tribes considered xocolatl more valuable than gold or silver.
- The Swiss consume more chocolate than any other nation.
It’s fun and easy to celebrate National Hot Cocoa Day. Grab your favorite mug, fill it with hot cocoa, or hot chocolate, and enjoy. Oh, don’t forget the marshmallows. You can also:
- Make it for others.
- Bring it to work to share with your co-workers.
- Try adding different flavorings.
- Tonight, enjoy hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps.
- Have a taste test. Taste and compare cocoa and chocolate.
Source: holidayinsights.com
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