1. Chocolate Heaven
Welcome to the wonderful world of chocolate. From its history to the
cacao tree and beyond, let's explore this heavenly treat.
by Shubham Gandhi

2. The Birth of Chocolate
Cacao in Aztec Culture
The Aztecs believed that chocolate was
a gift from their gods and used cacao
beans as currency.
Cacao in Maya Culture
The Mayans consumed chocolate as a
drink, making it from ground cacao
beans and water.
Origins of the Chocolate Bar
The first chocolate bars were produced
in Switzerland in the 1800s, but
chocolate drinking remained popular
until the 1900s.

3. The Chocolate Process
1
Harvesting
Cacao pods are picked by hand. One pod
yields about 30-50 cacao beans.
2
Fermenting
Beans are piled together and fermented until
they take on a brown color and chocolate
aroma.
3
Drying & Roasting
Beans are left to dry in the sun, then
roasted. Roasting cacao beans brings out
the chocolate flavor.
4
Grinding & Conching
Beans are ground into a paste and mixed
with sugar and other ingredients before
being refined through a process called
conching.

4. Types of Chocolate
Dark Chocolate
Contains 50-90% cocoa solids.
Known for its bitterness and health
benefits.
Milk Chocolate
Contains milk powder or
condensed milk in addition to other
ingredients. 10-50% cocoa solids.
White Chocolate
Made from cocoa butter, sugar, and
milk solids. Does not contain any
cocoa solids.
Ruby Chocolate
Chocolate with a pink hue and a fruity taste that comes naturally from the ruby cacao bean.

5. Health Benefits of Chocolate
1 Heart Health
Dark chocolate may reduce the risk of heart
disease by lowering blood pressure and improving
blood flow.
2
Brain Function
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine,
which can improve brain function and boost mood.
3 Treats Coughs
Theobromine in chocolate may help to relieve
persistent coughs.

6. The Chocolate Industry Today
Production
Global chocolate production exceeds 5
million tons annually, with Belgium being
the largest chocolate exporter in the
world.
Retail
The chocolate industry is valued at over
$100 billion dollars, with the average
American eating 9 pounds of chocolate
per year!
Celebration
Chocolate is a symbol of love and
celebration, and is commonly given as a
gift on Valentine's Day and other special
occasions.

7. Popular Chocolate Brands
1 Cadbury
Founded in 1824, Cadbury
produces milk chocolate and
Dairy Milk in the UK.
2 Hershey's
Founded in 1894, Hershey's
is a US-based company that
produces chocolate bars,
Kisses, and Reese's Peanut
Butter Cups.
3 Lindt & Sprungli
Founded in 1845, Lindt is a
Swiss chocolate
manufacturer known for its
chocolate truffles and gold-
wrapped chocolate bunnies.
4 Ghirardelli
Founded in 1852, Ghirardelli
is a US-based company that
produces premium chocolate
for baking and confectionery.

8. Making and Tasting Chocolate at Home
Making Chocolate
• Melt 1 cup of cacao butter in a double boiler.
• Add 3/4 cup of cacao powder and stir to combine.
• Add 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey. Mix well.
• Pour mixture into molds and chill in the fridge.
Tasting Chocolate
1. Look at the chocolate's appearance and note its color
and sheen.
2. Smell the chocolate's aroma and take note of any
subtle notes.
3. Take a small bite of the chocolate and allow it to melt
in your mouth.
4. Take note of any flavors that come through, such as
fruity or nutty notes.
5. Enjoy the chocolate, savoring each bite.