FOODS

CHOCOLATE

     Chocolate comprises a number of raw and processed foods produced from the seeds of the tropical cacao tree. After fermentation, the cacao beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted, and the shells are removed to produce cacao nibs. The nibs are then ground and liquified, resulting in pure chocolate in fluid form: chocolate liquor. The liquor can be further processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Pure, unsweetened chocolate contains primarily cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions. Much of the chocolate consumed today is in the form of sweet chocolate, combining chocolate with sugar. Milk chocolate is sweet chocolate that additionally contains milkmpowder or condensed milk. "White chocolate" contains cocoa butter, sugar, and milk but no cocoa solids (and thus does not qualify to be considered true chocolate).

     Chocolate contains alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine, wich have physiological effects on the body. It has been linked to serotonin levels in the brain. Scientists claim that chocolate, eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate has recently ben promoted for its health benefits, including a substantial amount of antioxidants that reduce the formatoon of free radicals, although current scientific evidence is against health improvements by dietary antioxidants. The presence of treobomine renders it toxic to some animals, especially dogs and cats.

     Chocolate has become one of the most popular food types and flavors in the wold. Gift of chocolate molded into different shapes have become traditional on certain holidays: chocolae bunnies and eggs are popular on easter, chcolate coins on Hanukkah, Santa Clause and other holiday symbols on Christmas, and hearts on Valentine's Day. Chocolate is also used in cold and hot beverages, to produce chocolate milk and hot chocolate.