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Belgium is commonly known for its chocolate. The country is often called a Capital of Chocolate as it became a vibrant part of Belgian economy. But what’s the story behind the successful Belgian chocolate?
The thing is that even in today's world of mass production, most Belgian chocolate is still made by hand using original equipment. Together with the quality of ingredients it makes Belgian chocolate truly unique. Over 172,000 tons of chocolate is produced per year with more than two thousands of shops selling chocolate throughout the country.
In 1912, the Belgian chocolatier Jean Neuhaus invented the first hard chocolate shell, which gave all chocolate makers a chance to experiment with any kinds of fillings. Since then Belgian chocolate has contained fillings with different flavors.
Except for usual caramel, fudge and crème flavors you may find ginger, wasabi, goat cheese and bacon flavored chocolate; even chocolate-covered potato chips. Not only flavors are unusual, but the products as well; for instance: toothpaste, bubble bath, candles, dresses, perfumes, wine, pasta, gum, sushi and even beer – all with chocolate.
More Interesting Facts about Chocholate
- 17,000 people in Belgium - that’s 1 in every 200 workers - are involved in the making, selling and promotion of chocolate.
- One chocolate chip provides enough food energy for an adult to walk 150 feet. Therefore, it takes about 35 chocolate chips to walk a mile or 875,000 to get you around the world.
- The biggest chocolate sculpture ever made was a 4,484 lb, 10 foot high Easter egg, constructed in Melbourne, Australia.
- Chocolate is a great natural antidepressant. It contains tryptophan which helps you create serotonin, your body's own antidepressant.
- Americans eat an average of twenty two pounds of candy each year, or approximately 2.8 BILLION pounds annually. That is far less than most Europeans consume.
- Chocolate is a great economy booster. Annual world consumption of cocoa beans averages approximately 600,000 tons per year. Consumers worldwide spend more than $20 billion a year on Chocolate.
How to Identify a Belgian Chocolate
As Belgian chocolate is so famous and loved all over the world, there are many bad quality imitations available. To make sure you have the best Belgian chocolate in your hand, follow these tips: Well-made chocolate will have a smooth, silky texture. Place it on your tongue, slowly moving it around your mouth. The flavour of a well-made chocolate will develop gradually and linger for a while.
Belgian chocolate may be expensive but it’s totally worth it!
