National Cocoa Day

On National Cocoa Day, start your morning with something other than coffee! A hot and fragrant drink at the beginning of the day can invigorate, cheer up and simply delight your taste buds. From the ancient Mayans and Aztecs to modern day cocoa producers, there are many varieties to explore. Let’s take a look at the history of cocoa, interesting facts and how to take part.

History

In 1519, the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes conquered Mexico. The ancient capital of Tenochtitlan fell under the onslaught of his troops, and Montezuma’s palace was plundered. Among the treasures, Cortes discovered huge stocks of unknown beans – and soon brought them back to Europe. This marked the beginning of the chocolate era, and soon the cocoa beans were transported to France, where cocoa factories were built.

It is thought that cocoa beans were discovered by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs around 3000 years ago. They found an unusual tree and discovered the fruit, grinding it with hot peppers and maize to create a drink. Unfortunately, this ancient beverage was not sweetened with sugar – as it had not yet been discovered. Some scholars believe that the word “cacao” was used 1000 years ago.

National Cocoa Day supports cocoa producers, and the modern industry produces a wide range of drinks. This includes dry concentrates that dissolve in water in seconds – a method invented in Holland in the 19th century.

Interesting facts

Cocoa is:

• Incredibly rich in magnesium and a powerful antioxidant.
• Causes a feeling of love.
• Harmless to one’s teeth.
• Lowers blood pressure, so it is a good choice for people suffering from hypertension.

How to take part

Enjoy a delicious drink on National Cocoa Day and treat your friends to it. Try out interesting recipes and cook it like never before – adding marshmallows, sweets, cream and more. Spread the word about the benefits of cocoa!

When is National Cocoa Day celebrated in 2023?

National Cocoa Day is observed on December 13 each year.

Observations