Already the Aztecs knew that chocolate possessed "powers" to make them feel great in various way. It is told that Montezuma, the last Aztec Emperor, drank chocolate 50 times a day to boost his virility before visiting his harem. Even Casanova consumed chocolate before visiting his ladies, and centuries ago, chocolate was banned from monasteries and convents, fearing it would otherwise increase the longing for physical contact amongst the monks and nuns.

It will surprise you that science has yet to give us a clear answer on whether chocolate is an aphrodisiac or not. A known fact is that chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA). Not only is PEA present in your brain naturally when you are experiencing pleasure, it also is chemically similar to amphetamine, which has been shown to create feelings of attraction and excitement - just like those butterflies when you are in love! In addition, chocolate contains serotonin, which is linked to feelings of elation and happiness.

In conclusion we can probably say that chocolate has aphrodisiac-like effects. Now, if chocolate itself can do all that, what do you think a chocri Valentine's Day chocolate gift can do - something made uniquely for her, with her favorite sweets and her name on it? After all, the most potent aphrodisiac available is the mind.

Create the ultimate love chocolate

Cocoa is a commodity like gold or pork bellies (no kidding). The trading of cocoa beans is mostly done at the commodity futures exchange in New York for the North American market, and in London for the European market. Cocoa futures are traded on the basis of the last harvest and the expectations for the next two years. "Futures" means that contracts are made early, prices are agreed before the cocoa is grown or harvested. If, say, the harvest is worse than expected, the price of cocoa will rise on the market, which means the seller in the previous contract made a bad deal selling it for a lower price, while the buyer made a good deal. Climatic, but also economic and political factors have a role in determining the cocoa price.

Since 2007, demand for cocoa has risen (are you surprised?), which led to quite an increase in price since then. The demand increase is attributed to a growing interest of Asian countries in chocolate, India in particular.
Maybe we should expand there next? ;)

With more than 90 toppings, it is not surprising that you might be overwhelmed by choice sometimes. We have the perfect remedy!

Started a few months ago, we thought up a Facebook Quiz "What type of chocolate are you?" that tells you after a few questions exactly what type of combination you should get - the adventurous with exotic toppings? The challenging, spicy one? The solid nut/dried fruit combination?

It's fun, and surprisingly accurate. We even have the bars in our recommended creations section for each type!

Plus, you're always happy to check out the recommended, popular and recent creations of other customers for inspiration.

We've discussed "Health and Chocolate" on this blog before, but today let's zoom in on particularly antioxidants in chocolate.

First of all, we need to distinguish between chocolate and cocoa. Really, cocoa is the happy-making "food of the goods", so the effects described below are stronger with dark chocolate, and evaporate with white chocolate. Here's the good news though: Cocoa contains more antioxidants than red wine, or green or black tea.

What are antioxidants? As the word itself says, they are anti- oxidation, they are anti- a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals. Don't get me wrong- oxidation is not by itself a bad thing, it is in fact necessary for survival. However, if a body lacks antioxidants, too many free radicals are produced, and those can be the beginning of cancer. Antioxidants are used to treat brain injuries, and, as mentioned, are believed to prevent cancer-related free radicals. During physical exercise, oxygen intake increases, hence you should also consume more antioxidants.

Antioxidants should, like everything, be "enjoyed" in moderation. And enjoyable it is - a famous antioxidant for example is Vitamin C, to be found in many fruit and vegetables. Cocoa is rich in a so-called "polyphenol antioxidant": flavonoid. Scientists discovered that the level of antioxidants in cocoa is almost twice that of red wine, two to three times that of green tea or and four times that of black tea (Source).

What this means for you? Chocolate is not only good for your happiness-level, it's also good for your antioxidant level! :)