facts about chocolate

1. CHOCOLATE WAS ONCE USED AS CURRENCY

That’s right, your favourite indulgence used to hold a higher value than money itself! The ancient Aztecs and Mayans treasured cocoa beans so much that they were typically used as a form of currency. Cacao beans were deemed more precious than gold. These little beans were used to buy animals, food and even a woman’s hand in marriage! Supposedly, 10 cacao beans would be enough to buy a rabbit. Later, the Spanish conquistadors also took a shine to the humble yet powerful cacao bean. They, too, used these beans as currency, noting that 100 beans would be enough to buy a canoe, complete with fresh water and a turkey. Interesting!

3. WHITE CHOCOLATE ISN’T ACTUALLY CHOCOLATE

As surprising as it may seem, white chocolate isn’t technically chocolate! But clever marketing would have you fooled! White chocolate is primarily cocoa butter, sugar and a small amount of milk solids. Dark and milk chocolate has more cacao solids and/or chocolate liquor. As a result, both milk and dark chocolate have a deeper colour and more complex flavour, while white chocolate has a unique creamy and sweet taste. If you’re a pure chocolate lover, you may be surprised to learn this interesting fact about chocolate!