History of Taste… Chocolate

Note: I try my best to gift you selected information on different topics. This article is also one of my humble efforts. Your comments would be encouraging for me.

1502 was the first date of importance for Europe in getting acquainted with cocoa and chocolate. It was the adventurous time of the Spanish conquistadores with Christopher Columbus the first to set sail to the new world. When he reached the island of Guanaja, close to Honduras, the local people went part to the way by proa to meet him, their boats loaded with cocoa beans. As they offered their precious gift to Columbus, some of the beans fell into the water. The Mexicans dived into to the water to save the beans as if they were the most precious items in the world. When chocolate arrived on the European continent, it was first regarded as a medicine, rather than as a delicious foodstuff. Another example of this medicinal classification of chocolate is found in the first publication of the recipe for chocolate made by the Spanish doctor Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma in 1631. In the 17^th century, the cocoa plantations became over-cultured which exhausted the soil. When, in the 18^th century, empiric scientists like Pascal and others laid the basis of modern science, the medical potential of chocolate faded into the background while its nutritious and delicious values gained ground.

Many chocolate museums today show beautiful collections of 18^th century chocolate China. Until the beginning of the 20^th century, chocolate remained the exclusive privilege of the rich and famous. Chocolate remained extremely expensive due to very high cocoa and sugar prices in the 19^th century.

Around 1900, the price of the two main ingredients for chocolate, cocoa and sugar, dropped tremendously. From the early 1820’s the UK had developed quite a unique chocolate, taste and flavour. Their chocolate was dark and very often combined with strong, pronounced flavours like mint cream, rose & violet cream, ginger…

The beginning of the 20^th century announced the boom in industrialization of chocolate production all over Europe and the US, Belgium seemed to be at the cutting edge of innovation, fast production technology and new marketing techniques, compared to the rest of Europe. Another Belgian invention in the 1920’s was the chocolate bar.

From World War II until today, the differences in chocolate consumption volumes between labourers, clerks and the highest income groups have almost disappeared. The end of the nineties and the beginning of the 21^st century gave a new impulse to chocolate. Scientific studies on cocoa and chocolate have already revealed a lot of potential benefits from moderate consumption of cocoa and chocolate and there is more expected.

One also views and understands the process of making handmade chocolates through pictorial description. ‘Did you know’ emphasizes the healthy importance of chocolate. Thanks to its stunning taste, chocolate has become one of the favourite foodstuffs of a huge number of consumers. It evokes emotional values: enjoyment, indulgence and taste, Chocolate contains a combination of sugars and fats that can make you feel good during and after consumption. Cocoa and dark chocolate contain no cholesterol. Milk chocolate and white chocolate contain only minimal quantities due to the added mild fats.

The ‘Products’ and ‘Login’ sections highlight variety of tasty chocolates and subscription and shipping services.

www.brownes.co.uk supply numerous well-known retail outlets and other trade, wholesale and caters to customers around the UK.

So if you are craving for a big box of chocolates choose from varieties of hand-made chocolate truffles at http://www.brownes.co.uk . One of them is bound to prove irresistible for you.

How Women Define ‘Man’

Note: This is an extract from a magazine with an intention to provide you interesting and informative material as a gift. Read it and send your comments that how much interesting and informative it proved.

The question is what do women really want? The answer is a complete package. What is in a complete package?

Qualities that a women look for in men: Ambitious, strong and assertive

An ambitious man is a successful man because he is striving for the best no matter what his goal are? Strength does not necessitate muscles but inner strength. He is able to reach inside, draw from that strength when it is needed and share it if the need arises. He goes after what he wants without stepping on feet or toes but maneuvers around them.

Responsible

He knows his responsibilities and owns up to them, whether it is family, work, and commitments. A man recognizes that mistakes are a part of life. He admits to them doesn’t blame others or make excuses for his inconsistencies. He learns from them and acts accordingly.

Understanding

Recognizes that no one is perfect, including himself, encourages communication efforts to resolve important issues. Realizes the final say does not have to go one way (especially his way) or another, but knows that a compromise is always a possibility.

In tune to himself

He has self-awareness spiritually and mentally. He loves self, takes care of himself but is able to love others as well. He can hold a decent conversation with anyone and he knows how to express himself in any given conversation. He is respected by others and recognizes that in order to get respect, you have to give it. He can accept constructive criticism without taking it personally and recognizes that opinion is individual and each is entitled to his or hers.

Compassion

He is unselfish and caring of others around him. He is neither self-centered not egotistical. He thinks of others, and the feelings of others. Men are told from day one that men are not supposed to cry because it is a display weakness. Crying makes them human and it has nothing to do with strength. It has to do with feeling. The lack of fear in showing true feelings constitutes strength and courage.

Relationship and Love

- He is caring giving, honest, loyal and respects the lady in his life.

- He is willing to work things out together.

- He respects his mate as his other half.\

- He knows that sharing is essential, good bad whatever.

- The word commitment is not taken lightly and he doesn’t make one unless he is sure that is what he wants to do. He will be the first to admit it.

- The woman in his life is there to support and encourage. He appreciates it and shows it.

- Women love compliments, doors opened and chairs pulled out for us.

- A little pampering does a body good. For example: a little massage after a tiring day.

- He recognizes that politeness is not dead. He is a gentleman. He does not take for granted he is loved. He expresses it and let his woman know that he loves her as well.

- Love is appreciated and not taken lightly. The work needed to maintain a relationship is done willingly and cooperatively.

- The man you met is the man that should always be. Whether he changes or not can depend on you, but that’s another story…hummm.

A woman’s definition of man encompasses many definitions. Each woman has her own. Certainly this is not the end of the list, but it is a start. Some might say this is stupid and unrealistic – may be because I am a man and not a woman so how should I know about them with that much concrete way. I say that there is no perfection in anyone. To expect perfection, that is unrealistic but for someone to be human, loving, caring is very close.