National Chocolate Day, on October 28th, recognizes one of the world’s favorite tastes. While many specific chocolate-related holidays exist throughout the year, National Chocolate Day celebrates all things chocolate.
#NationalChocolateDay
Chocolate earns its day of honor by being America’s favorite flavor. (Some sources designate July 7 or December 28 as Chocolate Day or International Chocolate Day.)
How is chocolate made?
Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Humans have been cultivating cacao for at least three millennia. The plant grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. Historians document the earliest known use of cacao seeds at around 1100 BC.
The intense, bitter taste of cocoa requires the bean to be fermented to develop the flavor.
Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The cacao nibs are then ground into cocoa mass, which is pure chocolate in rough form. The cocoa mass is usually liquefied then molded with or without other ingredients. At this point in the process, it is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
- Unsweetened baking chocolate – cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions.
- Sweet chocolate – cocoa solids, cocoa butter or other fat and sugar.
- Milk chocolate – sweet chocolate with milk powder or condensed milk.
- White chocolate – cocoa butter, sugar, and milk but no cocoa solids.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY
Visit your favorite restaurant and indulge in a delicious chocolate dessert. Another idea is to host a chocolate tasting party. Invite friends to bring their best chocolate recipes to share. Here is a few recipes to try.
Use #NationalChocolateDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY HISTORY
National Confectioners Association created National Chocolate Day
Chocolate FAQ
Q. Besides white chocolate, how is cocoa butter used?
A. Cocoa butter is the processed fat from the cocoa bean. It is a necessary ingredient in both milk and white chocolate. However, skincare produces also include cocoa butter. Its fatty acids are touted as good for your skin.
Q. Why do I need to temper my chocolate?
A. If you’re making candy or chocolate-covered treats, tempering chocolate stabilizes it and creates a shiny, easy to use chocolate. The process requires the chocolate to be heated and then cooled and then reheated. It may seem time consuming, but for the prettiest creations, it’s also the best process.
Q. Which chocolate holidays are coming up?
A. The calendar loves chocolate holidays. Chocolate celebrations coming up include:
- Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day
- Chocolate Covered Anything Day
- Chocolate Candy Day
Q. Does chocolate make a good gift?
A. Yes! You can give a variety of chocolate, too. That way you’re more likely to give someone their favorite kind. However, please remember to not give dark or milk chocolate to someone who is allergic to it. White chocolate is the safer option.
October 28th Celebrated History
1886
The United States officially dedicates The Statue of Liberty at Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor. France originally named the 151-foot tall statue “Liberty Enlightening the World” and gave it as a gift to the United States. During his speech, President Grover Cleveland said of Lady Liberty that “she holds aloft the light which illuminates the way to man’s enfranchisement.”
1919
The Volstead Act prohibits the sale of high-proof alcohol passes. Vetoed by President Woodrow Wilson the day before, the House and Senate successfully voted to overturn the President’s veto, ushering in an era of prohibition.
1954
Author Ernest Hemingway earned the Nobel Prize in Literature “for his mastery of the art of narrative, most recently demonstrated in The Old Man and the Sea, and for the influence that he has exerted on contemporary style.” Hemingway wrote over 40 novels including, A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and A Moveable Feast.
1965
Architect Eero Saarinen completes construction on the 630-foot tall parabola known as the Gateway Arch. Located in St. Louis, MO, the stainless steel arch is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and overlooks the Mississippi River.
2018
A team of 100 Kikkoman Corporation employees in Japan rolled 694 sushi rolls in three minutes setting a world record.
