Posted on 02/01/2025 5:34:22 PM PST by Red Badger
NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY
On February 1st, National Dark Chocolate Day reminds us to indulge a little. Many tout dark chocolate as the healthier chocolate. However, for some, it can be an acquired taste.
#NationalDarkChocolateDay
Also known as bittersweet chocolate, dark chocolate is different from milk chocolate. Candy makers add milk or butter to milk chocolate, giving it a creamier consistency. Dark chocolate includes no added milk or butter. Instead, the percentage of cocoa solids remaining in the chocolate determines how dark the chocolate is. The higher the ratio, the darker the chocolate. It may also have a slightly bitter taste.
Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. We have been cultivating cacao for at least three millennia, and the plant grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. Our earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds dates to around 1100 BC.
Fermentation helps develop the flavor of the cacao seeds. Otherwise, the seeds are too bitter to eat. Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. Processors then ground the cocoa nips into cocoa mass, pure chocolate in rough form. Next, they usually liquefy the cocoa mass and mold it 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.
Besides being lower in calories and fat, dark chocolate has many other health benefits. It also serves as a decadent ingredient in many desserts and sauces.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY
Eat some dark chocolate.
Bake with dark chocolate.
Add dark chocolate to a savory dish.
Share dark chocolate recipes.
Host a dark chocolate tasting.
Learn about the health benefits of dark chocolate.
Use #NationalDarkChocolateDay on social media.
Don't miss the Daily Word Search Puzzle!
NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this chocolatey day.
Dark Chocolate FAQ
Q. Can I add a little dark chocolate to my coffee?
A. Yes. The simplest solution is to add a dark chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.
Q. Can anyone eat dark chocolate?
A. No. Some people are allergic to chocolate, and even small amounts will be harmful to them.
Q. Can dark chocolate be a savory ingredient?
A. Yes. Dark chocolate can be added to sauces and stews. Chili is one dish where some recipes call for dark chocolate.
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Notable Birthdays for February 1 William Bowen Campbell (1807-1867) - Civil War Brigadier General for the Union Army.
Henry McNeal Turner (1833-1915) - The first Black Methodist Bishop in the U.S.
G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924) - First psychologist to earn a doctorate in the U.S.
Hattie Wyatt Caraway (1878-1950) -The first black woman elected to U.S. Senate.
Bradbury Robinson (1884-1949) - Football player who threw the first forward pass during a game.
James P. Johnson (1894-1955) - Pianist who is considered a pioneer in ragtime jazz.
Leila Denmark (1898-2012) - Pediatrician who practiced until her death (103 years old).
Clark Gable (1901-1960) - Actor famously known for his role as Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind.
Gordon Hobday (1916-2015) - Co-developer of Penicillin and developer of Ibuprofen.
Garrett Morris (1937-Still Living) - The first Black cast member on Saturday Night Live.
Sherman Hemsley (1938-2012) - Actor who will always be remembered as the comedic character George Jefferson in The Jeffersons.
Jessica Savitch (1947-1983) - Pioneering female news anchor.
Rick James (1948-2004) - Singer of the hit song Super Freak.
Jani Lane (1964-2011) - Lead singer of the rock band Warrant.
Brandon Lee (1965-1993) - Actor and martial arts expert.
Meg Cabot (1967-Still Living) - Author well-known for writing The Princess Diaries.
Pauly Shore (1968-Still Living) - Actor and comedian who started in the 90s hit Encino Man.
Lisa Marie Presley (1968-2023) - Singer-songwriter and daughter of Elvis Presley.
Phil Ivey (1976-Still Living) - World poker champion.
Rachael Scdoris (1985-Still Living) - Legally blind dog musher who completed the Iditarod.
Memorable Events for February 1 1788 - Briggs & Longstreet receive the first steamboat patent in the U.S.
1790 - The U.S. Supreme Court convenes for first time.
1810 - The first insurance company (The African Insurance Company) managed by African Americans opens in PA.
1840 - Baltimore College of Dental Surgery begins.
1842 - The first adhesive postage stamps is issued in NY.
1843 - The Mutual Life Insurance Company opens in N.Y.
1865 - President Lincoln signs the Thirteenth Amendment.
1865 - JS Rock become the first Black lawyer to practice in the Supreme Court.
1871 - Jefferson Long (GA) becomes the Black to make an official speech in U.S. House of Reps.
1893 - Thomas Edison completes world's first movie studio.
1897 - The Travelers Insurance Company issues the first automobile insurance policy.
1906 - The first federal penitentiary is completed in Leavenworth (KS).
1942 - The U.S. Navy conducts Marshalls–Gilberts raids in the Pacific Theater.
1942 - The U.S. government begins broadcasting news (Voice of America).
1953 - Walter Cronkite's program You Are There premieres on CBS.
1960 - Four black students stage sit-ins at a lunch counter NC.
1964 - I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles) hits #1 in the U.S.
1972 - The first handheld calculator (HP-35) introduced to the public, selling for $395.
1978 - Harriet Tubman becomes the first Black women on a postage stamp.
Chocolate Ping!..................
Black history month starts out with Dark Chocolate Day.
Much healthier than milk chocolate. The higher fat content and low sugar the better.
Oooooh ... I used to swipe my mom’s bag of semi-sweet morsels when I was a kid - caught holy h... well, you know what o mean. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT! 😋
Every day is Dark Chocolate Day at chez Buttons. Best vegetable ever!
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