CHOCOLATE FACTS

By

Dr. Vivian G. Baglien- adapted from http://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/chocolate/chocolate_facts.php

ROASTING CHOCOLATE

Adapted from http://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/chocolate/chocolate_facts.php

To make chocolate, cacao seeds are roasted at 400–500 °F for 15–20 minutes. This brings out the luscious chocolate flavor and aroma. Roasted cacao seeds then pass through a machine that cracks their shell and removes their skin. What’s left are the nibs—tasty bits that eventually become chocolate. Credit: The Field Museum.

Many people in Latin American countries still grind cacao seeds by hand just like the Maya and Aztec did for hundreds of years – using a stone mano and metate. Photo: The Field Museum.

Many people in Latin American countries still grind cacao seeds by hand just like the Maya and Aztec did for hundreds of years – using a stone mano and metate. Photo: The Field Museum.

Photo: The Field Museum

To create froth atop their chocolate drink, the Spaniards invented wooden stirring sticks called molinillos. Chocolate drinkers rolled a molinillo quickly between their hands to whip a pot of chocolate into a bubbly froth. These utensils are still used today in Latin America and Spain.

Respond to the following questions by writing down the questions and then selecting what you feel is the best answer.

So you think you know chocolate!

Cacao grows best:

1. Under the shade of taller trees

2. In cleared areas, in plenty of sun

3. On hillsides 1. Under the shade of taller, canopy trees.

Which country grows the most cacao today?

1. Mexico 2. Indonesia 3. Ivory Coast 3. Ivory Coast . The livelihood of half the country’s people is directly or indirectly tied to cacao production.

Which country processes the most cacao?

1. Switzerland 2. The Netherlands 3. Belgium

2. The Netherlands . But they consume a bit less, per capita, than the U.S

Which country consumes the most chocolate per capita?

1. The U.S. 2. Switzerland 3. Mexico 2. The Swiss – more than 24 pounds per person per year

Who was the Baby Ruth candy bar named for?

President Grover Cleveland’s daughter

The granddaughter of the company’s president

The baseball player All three answers have been suggested, but the fact is, no one knows for sure

What fictional character said, "Life is like a box of chocolates…"?

1. Willy Wonka 2. Forrest Gump 3. Pollyanna

2. Forrest Gump

For which holiday do Americans spend the most on candy?

1. Valentine’s Day 2. Easter 3. Mother’s Day

1. Valentine’s Day – about $1 billion!

Theobromine, a substance found in cacao, is used to treat what medical problem?

1. Headaches 2. Constipation 3. High blood pressure

3. High blood pressure; it dilates the arteries

What are cacao seeds traded on the world market today are called?

1. Cacao 2. Cocoa 3. Coca

2. Cocoa

Reference

CHOCOLATE FACTS. (n.d.), California Academy of Sciences. http://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/chocolate/chocolate_facts.php , as retrieved December 8,2010.