Oh, the weather outside is frightening, so why don’t you stay in and have a nice hot cocoa to take the chill off? National Cocoa Day is celebrated each year on December 13th – the perfect time to sit by the fire and sip this delicious chocolate-y brew.
The Difference between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate
Hot cocoa is typically made with cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. However, some also call it hot chocolate, which causes a bit of confusion. Hot chocolate is made by using ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. We can also make chocolate liquor by fermenting, drying, roasting, and grinding cocoa beans. After this, the cocoa butter is removed, and we are left with only the cocoa powder. This cocoa powder is used to make hot cocoa. It is a relatively healthy drink with very little fat and calories – depending on what you add to it, of course.
The History of Cocoa
Chocolate has a long and ancient history. According to National Today, the first origins of cocoa can be traced back to 5000 years. Archaeologists believe that this is only as early as we can trace it. Of course, the chocolate back then was much different from that which we consume now, as sugar was still scarce. The beverage was flavored with vanilla, chili, and was served throughout the year. It was reportedly more popular during the Olmec period, where it was used for spiritual praying. It was once used as a trade currency in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
It first was found by European explorers in South America, where it was already enjoyed for hundreds of years before the arrival of the Europeans. Not only that, but it was the Spaniards who first found the flavor unpleasant and declared it bitter. In fact, chocolate became an acquired taste. It would not be until it was introduced to Europe and adopted as a luxury drink of the wealthy that it would be sweetened. This led to the invention of milk chocolate. And it wouldn’t be until 1828 that powdered chocolate would be available for consumption. Soon after this, the chocolate bar and instant hot cocoa came into existence.
Types of Cocoa
The three prominent varieties of cocoa plants are Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo. Forastero is a commonly used variant that contributes to up to 90% of the world’s cocoa production. Trinitario originated from Trinidad and is a hybrid variety of cocoa. Criollo is prone to diseases and less common — it is mostly cultivated mainly by Venezuela. Trinitario is foremost in quality and when compared to the other two varieties, it produces higher yields due to its disease-resistant nature.
Five Hot Cocoa Fun Facts
- Chocolate contains over 600 flavor compounds, which give it that distinct, delightful aroma.
- There are four different types of chocolates. These are dark, milk, white, and blond chocolates.
- White chocolate isn’t technically chocolate. White chocolate contains cocoa butter but doesn’t contain any cocoa powder or cocoa solids.
- The chocolate industry is worth over $75 billion per year globally.
- Dark chocolate contains 12 milligrams of caffeine per ounce and milk chocolate contains 9 milligrams, which is higher than espresso’s caffeine count.
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