National Cocoa Day is a special observance dedicated to celebrating the rich and decadent world of cocoa. Cocoa is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and this day provides an opportunity to appreciate its delicious taste and the role it plays in our lives.
About the National Cocoa Day
Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder. Cocoa is derived from cocoa beans which are dried, roasted, grounded, and then processed. This powder contains few calories and fat. It can be used to make a hot chocolate drink or to make various kinds of chocolate recipes.
During National Cocoa Day, people conduct various activities that let them achieve the objectives or purposes of the celebration. For one, people try to make hot cocoa drinks at home. Fortunately for them, making one is very easy to do so. Other people prefer to drink hot cocoa in a café or coffee shop that sells some. People also shout out on social media how they are participating in the celebration of the event.
Related Day: National Chocolate Cake Day
History
According to historical records, the Mayans are the ones responsible for creating the first chocolate drink, which happened about 2000 years ago. By 1400 AD, cocoa became an important part of the Aztec civilization. The chocolate drink then made its way into Mexico through the New World. The Europeans are the ones responsible for making the drink popular. But from that point onwards, multiple changes have occurred in terms of cocoa. During the 19th century, cocoa was used to treat various ailments including stomach diseases.
Cocoa is undeniably popular in the USA. Americans love to buy cocoa in packets that can be readily added into hot water or milk. Marshmallows or whipped cream are also added to improve the drink’s texture and make it creamier.
With limited knowledge about the origins of cocoa, even less is known about the history of the National Cocoa Day. We don’t know when, where, and how it began. We also don’t have a clue as to who founded it. But still, we can make a good guess as to why such an event was established in the first place. Perhaps a person or a group of people thought that cocoas are much loved by the people. They must have then thought that it deserves a spot in the list of food holidays celebrated every year.
National Cocoa Day – Dates
As mentioned earlier, National Cocoa Day is celebrated every 13th of December each year.
Health Benefits of Cocoa
Cocoa is known for its various health benefits. One example is its antioxidant contents, which are known to decrease the risk of cancer. Scientific studies have also proven that cocoa can help with digestion. The flavonoid content of cocoa can also positively affect the health of arteries.
Chocolate is also known to improve the mood of a person. Eating chocolate will cause the brain to trigger the release of happy hormones. No wonder why we love to eat chocolate when we feel sad or melancholic.
The Rich and Decadent World of Cocoa
Cocoa is known for its rich and decadent flavor, and it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of sweet and savory dishes. From the creamy richness of chocolate to the smooth, velvety texture of cocoa butter, cocoa is a flavor that can be enjoyed in many forms.
In addition to its delicious taste, cocoa is also a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients that are beneficial for our health. Cocoa is a good source of magnesium, iron, and fiber, and it is also a rich source of flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that help to protect our bodies from damage caused by free radicals.
How to Celebrate National Cocoa Day
National Cocoa Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the rich and decadent world of cocoa. To celebrate, you can:
- Enjoy a delicious cup of hot cocoa: Take some time to enjoy a warm, comforting cup of hot cocoa and savor its rich and decadent flavor.
- Bake with cocoa: Try your hand at baking with cocoa and create delicious treats like chocolate cakes, brownies, and cookies.
- Try a new cocoa recipe: National Cocoa Day is a great time to try a new cocoa recipe and explore the many ways that this versatile ingredient can be used in cooking and baking.
- Support sustainable cocoa farming: National Cocoa Day is a great opportunity to support sustainable cocoa farming practices and help ensure the future of this delicious ingredient.
Celebrate on Social Media
You can also take your celebration of this day on social media. You can, for instance, use the hashtag #NationalCocoaDay to let your friends and followers know that you are also participating in the celebration of this day. Let them know that such a celebration takes place every year and also how happy you are enjoying your day.