Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate is a beverage made with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings and scalded milk or hot water. It is also known as cocoa or "hot chocolat" drink. The beverage known as drinking chocolate is similar in taste although it makes use of melted chocolate or chocolate paste instead of the preparing it by stirring cocoa powder in milk.

 

The Mayan civilization of South America is credited with discovering the beverage which was introduced to the Europeans by the Mexicans. The original form of drink popular almost 2000 years ago has undergone modifications and is consumed as a thick beverage known as cioccolata densa  in Italy while the Americans prefer a more liquefied form. The drink was also used to cure stomach ailments in the 19th century.

 

History of the Hot Chocolate Drink

The archeological site at Rio Azul, Guatemala revealed a drinking cup with traces of chocolate drink that could be traced back to the 5th century AD.  The Mayans are believed to have consumed it as a cold beverage mixed with water, chili peppers, and cornmeal.

 

The Aztecs adopted it in the 15th century and the drink became a sacred beverage offered to the fertility Goddess. The drink, known as xocolatl, tasted bitter and was flavored with vanilla extracts.

 

The Spaniards were first introduced to the drink in the 16th century and called it as chocolatl. They believed it to be an acquired taste and were responsible for familiarizing the Europeans with it.

 

Charles V adopted the drink and called it chocolat . The beverage was also modified by adding cane sugar which masked the bitterness to a large extent.

 

Sweet hot chocolate drink started becoming fashionable among the 17th century nobles of Europe who spiced it up with cinnamon and vanilla.

 

Coenraad Johannes van Houten developed the very first cocoa powder-producing machine in 1828 which separated the greasy seeds from the extract thereby making the cocoa much healthier.

 

Hot Chocolate Drink: Ingredients and Preparation Methods

The preparation methods vary from country to country depending on the local taste. The most popular methods for making the hot chocolate beverage are:-

  • In USA- The drink is prepared by mixing the contents of the instant cocoa mix with hot water. The mix contains cocoa powder, dry milk and sugar. It is an intensely sweet drink usually consumed during winters.
  • In Mexico- It is the national drink of Mexico where it is available as hexagonal cubes which are melted in hot water or scalded milk. The drink is whipped until a frothy layer forms on the top.
  • In Europe- The hot chocolate is usually very thick due to the presence of cornstarch. It is often consumed without milk whereas in Spain it resembles a chocolate pudding.  In Belgium the drink is prepared by adding chocolate chips to warm milk.

 

Hot Chocolate: Serving Suggestions

  • The drink is served with a topping of marshmallows, whipped cream and shaved chocolate flakes in the United States of America.
  • It is served with a dusting of cinnamon powder and flavored with vanilla in Mexico. It is a common accompaniment to the pan dulces or the sweetened breads.
  • A combination of hot chocolate and churros is considered to be a part of the working man’s breakfast in Spain.
  • Chocolademelk is the most popular drink served in Netherland. It consists of chocolate mixed with hot milk.
  • The French prefer to dip their breakfast breads spread with condiments into the hot chocolate drink. Banania is a popular commercially available chocolate drink variation that contains banana flour apart from the usual ingredients of cocoa and sugar.

 

Hot Chocolate Drink: Health Benefits

  • The drink is rich in antioxidants which help in fighting cancer.
  • It was used as a medicine in the 17th century and proved to be effective in healing fever and normalizing liver functions.
  • Recent research studies have revealed that the flavonoids present in hot chocolate beverages can benefit the cardio vascular system of the body.
  • Consumption of hot chocolate helps in improving the mood and increasing the energy levels.

 

Health Risks Associated with Hot Chocolate Drinks

  • The inclusion of sugars in most instant chocolate powders are the cause of health risks. Too much of sugar in the drink can give rise to obesity and dental problems. Individuals with diabetes are advised not to consume hot chocolate prepared with instant powders.
  • There is some amount of caffeine present in the chocolate drink which does not pose any health problems unless consumed in excess.

 

Trivia

Hot chocolate is considered to be a comfort food in many parts of the world.