Healthy Food Database
Chocolate comes from the cocoa tree whose scientific name, "Theobroma", translated means: 'The food of the Gods' - and who can argue with them. Like the gods, chocolate has power and can cause a range of effects and desires within the body.
Chocolate contains phenylethamine, "the molecule of love", a chemical naturally released by the brain during times of emotional arousal. It is also believed to release the brain chemicals serotonin and endorphins which give us a wonderful natural high. Dark chocolate has a higher proportion of cocoa solids than milk chocolate and retains more of the nutritional value of cocoa. It also contains more caffeine.
Category: Sweetener
In Season:
all year
To Buy:
If you're going to indulge, buy a great quality chocolate from a chocolatier. Organic chocolate is also available and quite delicious.
To Store:
Wrap well in foil and store in a cool place. Chocolate should be kept in the fridge on hot days as the heat will cause the cocoa butter to rise to the surface creating a greyish bloom and altering the texture.
Tips & Tricks:
If the chocolate has been stored in the fridge allow it to adjust to room temperature before breaking it into pieces - it will shatter otherwise.
One serve is 20 grams - only a few squares, so savour it!
Cooking Tips:
To melt chocolate, first use a good quality couverture chocolate and grate it or break it into small pieces. Bring a pan of water to boil then reduce the heat. Suspend a dry glass bowl over the pan and add the chocolate (no more than 500g at any one time). Cover the bowl and leave it for 5 minutes before stirring it until it's completely melted.
Nutrition per Per serve:
Monosaturated Fat , g:
1.8
Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*
High Blood Cholesterol
Premature Aging
* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.
Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.
