Chocolate

Chocolate is made from a number of raw and processed foods produced from the seeds of tropical cacao trees. Cacao has been cultivated in 1______ at least 3000 years. For most of this time it was made into a drink called, in translation – “bitter water”. This is because 2 _______ to be fermented to develop a palatable flavour.

After fermentation the beans are dried and roasted and the shell is removed to product cacao nibs. These are then ground and liquefied into chocolate liquor. The liquor is then processed into cacao solids or cacao butter. Pure chocolate contains primarily cacao solids and butter in different proportions.

Much of 3________ with added sugar. Milk chocolate is sweetened chocolate that additionally contains either milk powder or condensed milk. White chocolate on the 4_______ and is therefore not a true chocolate.

Chocolate contains theobromine and phenethylamine which have physiological effects on the body. It is similar to serotonin levels in the brain. Scientists claim 5________, can lower blood pressure. Recently, dark chocolate has also been promoted for its health benefits. But pet owners should remember that the presence of theobromine makes it toxic to cats and dogs.

Chocolate is now one 6_______, although 16 of the top 20 chocolate consuming countries are in Europe. Also interesting is that 66% of world chocolate is consumed between meals.

A. the chocolate consumed today is made

B. that chocolate, eaten in moderation

C. central and southern America for

D. of the world’s most popular flavours

E. other hand contains no cacao solids

F. cacao seeds are intensely bitter and have

G. many countries worldwide