There’s a chocoholic in all of us, and the time has arrived to let it out of its cage!

Today is International Chocolate Day, the one day of the year where judgement gets thrown out the window, allowing us to indulge our sweet tooth in triple-dipped cocoa delicacies.

The delicious day was first created in memory of Milton S. Hershey, founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company and the “company town” Hershey, Pennsylvania.

So what is chocolate and why does it taste so good?

The origins of chocolate can be traced back to Central America. After the American Mayan Indians discovered the cocoa bean in 250 CE, they introduced a spicy drink made from roasted cocoa beans to the Spaniards, who introduced the delicious concoction to Europe in the 16^th Century.

Due to the price of the cocoa beans, chocolate became exclusive to the well-heeled. However, in the early Victorian times, chocolate was made solid for people to eat, rather than drink.

Fast forward to the 21^st century. We’re now fortunate enough to be able to indulge in things chocolate – from white and dark, to milk. But it doesn’t stop there. We’re so spoilt for choice – from fruit-infused and nut covered chocolate, to gummies smothered in chocolate, endless derivations of chocolate creations are introduced to the market each year.

So be sure to jump on the chocolate band wagon today and treat yourself to something sweet and simply irresistible. We won’t judge you. After all, research reveals dark chocolate helps reduce heart disease and fights ageing.

Enjoy!

Love Team VIVA!