The origin of this delectable confection traces its roots to Central and South America, where the cacao beans were first grown. The native Aztecs in modern-day Mexico and other civilizations in the area drank chocolate mixed with chilies and achiote called “xocotatl” (bitter water) or “chocolatl” (hot water). Cacao beans were so valuable among the Aztecs that it was even used as tax payments. It was Chris...

Apart from Easter Eggs, the one thing that kids and the young-at-heart excite about Easter is the chocolate, especially the ones shaped like eggs. These are usually given as gifts to close friends and relatives, but do you have an idea how this practice started? Although Easter is a Christian celebration commemorating how Jesus was resurrected from the dead, the traditions surrounding the holiday are pagan in orig...

Of course, you cannot just empty a whole box of fine chocolate in just one sitting. This is why you need to know how to store your fine treats to avoid sacrificing its flavor and color. You do not want to see your chocolates with gray spots once you open them for the second time. Where to store – Place your chocolate in a cool, dry, and dark place. The storage place has to be cool enough not to soften the choc...

We may have heard about the rules in tasting wine, but do you know that tasting the finest chocolates also follow certain protocols? Because fine chocolates are made with the finest ingredients, tasters can better appreciate their sweet treats if they follow these tasting tips, as suggested master chocolatiers. Look at the chocolate – Check each chocolate piece and esteem its appearance. The finest of chocolate...

There are many kinds of chocolate available in the market, but how can we tell fine chocolate from sub-standard ones? The best way to know is to check the labels and read the ingredients. Fine chocolate should contain a standardized set of ingredients, which should never be substituted but can be left out. Dark chocolate – Its main ingredients should contain cacao liquor, sugar, cacao butter, lecithin, and vani...