“Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world’s perfect food.” Michael Levine
Chocolate lovers – this is your day.
July 7, 2018 is World Chocolate Day 2018. It has been said that the love of chocolate began with the ancient Olmec people, the first major civilization in Mexico. Now, the world has embraced chocolate’s rich and so satisfying sweet taste. It has grown to be a multi-billion dollar market.
Christopher Columbus discovered more than land, when he sailed west. In 1502, he came across the cacao bean when his crew came across a native canoe that contained, amount other things, canoe beans.
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Charles M. Schulz
Chocolate has found a place to flourish in Western Africa. It seems that much of the world’s chocolate is produced in Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and other West African countries.
Taking the Kitchen 
That was a fabulous write-up. Thanks.
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Thank you for your heartwarming comment. Looking forward to our ongoing dialogue.
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Your chocolate photography is very delicious!! I’ve been avoiding it for a while for health reasons, but I think I’ll treat myself to a slice or two of chocolate! It’s like coffee or tea, amazing how one plant can become like gold… can certainly make gold for the producers that’s for sure!! 😀
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Thank you for stopping by, Suzy and for your lovely comments. I agree – moderation is a marvelous way to enjoy life. I am looking into the process from farmer to shelf. In our world, we simply purchase chocolate/cocoa without knowing the journey and steps that have been taken to provide us with the final product. Check out this link which indicates that By 2016, the global chocolate market was worth $98.3 billion.
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/top-10-cocoa-producing-countries.html
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Yumm! I want the first one please….
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I am so glad that you arrived for the Chocolate party. As Lindsay Grayson once wrote: “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” Hugs!!
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On the strength of this delicious post I shall belatedly celebrate World Chocolate Day with some of Whittaker’s Single Origin Samoan Cacao extra dark chocolate. 🙂
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I think chocolate deserves more than one day of celebration! I love the quote by Cherise Sinclair: “Coffee and Chocolate – the inventor of mocha should be sainted.” Thank you for the intro to Whittaker’s Single Origin Samoan Cacao: http://www.sugamagazineonline.com/whittakers-launches-samoan-cacao-chocolate/
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A splendid quote.
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Fabulous article! I love the way history is always part of your wonderful posts!
Now, dark chocolate and red wine is absolutely intoxicating!!! ❤
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The dynamic duo!! The other day when I was researching chocolate, I came across this quote: “I won’t be impressed with technology until I can download chocolate.” Every generation understands the power of the chocolate. I am always delighted to see you comments! Thank you for stopping by…
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😀
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Oh that all looks divine! I have a little sign hanging up in my kitchen that reads, “I’d give up chocolate but I’m no quitter!” 😀
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I LOVE that sign and have placed it as a quote to remember on my computer. I’m to a quitter either!!!
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Oh wow – what a mouth-watering post! I feel like I could reach into the screen with my fork. But as it is only 07:40 as I type I probably should opt for fruit or an omlette – I’ll save these gorgeous thoughts of all things chocolate for the mid-morning coffee break!! Xxx
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Did you recognize the delicious chocolate coated cheesecake? It came from our evening at Howie’s. Every bite was simply decadent. Can hardly wait until “next time.” Hugs!!!
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A delicious dessert on a delightful dinner date!! I hope it won’t be too long before that next time…! xxx
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I learned so much about chocolate; thank you for the history lesson! I understand DARK chocolate has good qualities–even good for the heart. A gift of chocolate goodies is one of the best thank you gifts and a box of chocolate is a favorite gift of romance! And besides we all love chocolate candy, cake, sundaes. cookies, pies. scones, suckers, and more. I love your lovely photos–really very pretty and tempting!
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I love chocolate, especially mild chocolate. But I have heard that there are amazing health properties in dark chocolate: powerful source of antioxidants, reduces heart disease risk and my favourite – could improve brain function. The higher the cocoa content, the more benefits there are! So glad that you enjoyed the photos. Hugs!
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