A Chocolate Dream [antikvár]

CHOCOLAD H K A MINTRODUCTION<31 0 colale IS a m o ui n - vo a i e ri n g I e mp I a Uo-n adored hu evero-ne. iS vti -where e x a ctl-y. does zi come from9hocolate is produced from the beans of the cacao tree, which originated in South America. These trees are also widely grown in tropical humid climates such as Africa, the West Indies, tropical parts of America and the Far East.The cacao beans grow in large pods which range in colour from purple to yellow according to variety They are harvested when ripe, then both the beans and the pulp from the pods are allowed to ferment in the sun. This lets the beans gradually develop a chocolate flavour while the pulp around them evaporates as they dry The outer skin is removed and they are left in the sun for a further period or are roasted. Finally they are shelled to leave just the kernels for making into cocoa and chocolate.It takes several processes to turn dried cacao beans into chocolate. They have to be ground and crushed between giant rollers first and then they go through other stages before a thick chocolatey mixture or paste called 'cocoa solids' is produced. Some of the fat or 'cocoa butter' is pressed out and the remaining dry cake is reduced to a fine powder which is then thoroughly sieved and blended to produce the familiar cocoa powder used in drinks and cooking. The cocoa solids which have been pressed are blended with cocoa butter and further refined to turn them into the chocolate we so love.Chocolate has gained a reputation for many things - mainly as one of the most addictive foods available, creating numerous 'chocoholics' who crave this irresistibly sweet, calorie-laden indulgence in one or more of its many forms. It is also reputed to be possessed of aphrodisiac qualities and is definitely a quick energy supplier, probably because of its caffeine content. However, for an unfortunate small group of people, chocolate is the cause of migraines - a tempting delight that is sometimes considered worth the cost of a bad headache! It is mainly used for sweet rather than savoury dishes, but there