Today, we're exploring everything chocolate which wasn't something that ever started out with an intention to be used in sweet concoctions!

In this episode:

• Where chocolate originated and what it looked like
• How chocolate made its way to Europe
• Cacao vs cocoa vs chocolate
• Where cacao grows, harvesting, and the supply chain situation
• How chocolate is made
• The different types of chocolate out there
• Why people crave chocolate
• Health benefits vs risks
• How to temper chocolate at home

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References mentioned in the episode:

• History.com. History of Chocolate
• NOAA Climate.gov. Climate and Chocolate
• International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). Fine or Flavour Cocoa
• Encyclopaedia Britannica. How Is Chocolate Made?
• FDA. Standard of Identity for White Chocolate
• Barry Callebaut. Ruby chocolate launch/overview
• Hormes, J.M. (2017). Does culture create craving? Evidence from the case of menstrual chocolate craving. PLOS ONE.
• Arisi, T.O.P. et al. (2024). Effects of Cocoa Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Markers.
• Valrhona (L’École Valrhona). Tempering chocolate