http://www.chocolatechump.com/chocolate/ Chocolate is undoubtedly a favorite throughout the world, but many of us don't know that much about chocolate . en-us Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 Chocolate...mmm. That sounds sweet. Mmmm...that sure would be nice right about now. Our love affair with chocolate Just the word chocolate conjures up all kinds of delicious thoughts for most of us. From the time that we were small, we have always been drawn to all things chocolate. It is synonymous with special occasions and holidays, a special treat for when we are especially good. Chocolate is even catching on in many parts of the world that does not have tradition of eating it, as it becomes more and more available tastes for it are growing. but, most of us do not know the first thing about its production or even its contents. We've put together a few interesting tidbits of information about our beloved chocolate. Cacao vs. cocoa Cacao refers to the tree from which chocolate products are obtained while cocoa refers to the beverage. Roasting Roasting gives the cacao beans its distinctive flavor. The beans are usually roasted at temperatures between 250-300 F. Contents Milk chocolate is the most popular form of chocolate. It contains 50% sugar, 35% milk solids, and 15% cocoa solids. Dark chocolate contains about 55% sugar and 45% cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from sugar, cocoa butter, dry milk solids, and flavoring. ( Technically not chocolate because it lacks cocoa solids.) Melting Temperature Chocolate does literally melt in your mouth. Dark chocolate starts to melt at about 93 F while milk chocolate starts to melt at slightly lower temperatures. White bloom? The white film, or bloom, that can sometimes be seen on the chocolate forms when the chocolate is exposed to heat. The heat causes some of the fat in the chocolate to melt and as a result it rises to the surface, but does not spoil the flavor or the quality of the chocolate. Consumption About 3 billion pounds of chocolate are consumed worldwide each year. Europe imports almost 1.4 million tons of cacao beans each year, which is over 60% of the world market. Age The flavor of milk chocolate begins to break down after about 6 months, on the other hand the flavor of dark chocolate actually improves with age up to 18-24 months. Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT http://www.chocolatechump.com/chocolate/chocolate-gifts.html Chocolate gifts go down a treat! Let us give you some ideas on where to purchase your chocolate gifts en-us Tue, 24 Jan 2006 18:42:08 EST Tue, 24 Jan 2006 18:42:08 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.chocolatechump.com/chocolate/chocolate-gift.html The chocolate gift! We have some great ideas on what makes the perfect chocolate gift. en-us Tue, 24 Jan 2006 18:42:08 EST Tue, 24 Jan 2006 18:42:08 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.chocolatechump.com/chocolate/chocolate-chips.html Chocolate chips - there is a whole world of chocolate chips out there, try all the variations! en-us Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:42:56 EST Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:42:56 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.chocolatechump.com/chocolate/chocolate-chip.html A chocolate chip recipe that's perfect for fall! Combine the wonderful seasonal flavor of pumpkin for a great chocolate chip recipe! en-us Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:42:56 EST Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:42:56 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.chocolatechump.com/chocolate/gourmet-chocolate.html Gourmet chocolate packs a flavorful punch. Here is a study on why gourmet chocolate rocks. en-us Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:42:56 EST Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:42:56 EST Weblog Editor 2.0