There are several references that point to various dates for the celebration of World Chocolate Day, and 7 July so far, is the most popular. To mark the event, Marhaba has gathered some useful information about this sweet indulgence.
1. Chocolate is made from Theobroma cacao seeds. Originally consumed as a drink, the oldest traces of chocolate was found in Mexico (1900 BC). It was only after the Europeans ‘discovered’ chocolate and cultivated it as their own did it evolved into various forms. Now, chocolates come in different shapes and sizes, mixed with milk and flavoured with nuts and dried fruits.
2. White chocolate is technically not ‘chocolate’. White chocolate doesn’t qualify as a ‘genuine’ chocolate because it contains no cocoa solids or cocoa liquor. White chocolate is typically made from a blend of cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, milk fat and lecithin – a fatty emulsifier that holds it all together.
3. Compounds in chocolate may be more effective at fighting decay than fluoride! Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth turns sugar into acids, which eat away at the tooth’s surface and cause cavities. Compounds in cocoa bean husk have an anti-bacterial effect and also fight against plaque. This makes chocolate less harmful than many other sweet foods your dentist might warn you against because the antibacterial agents in cocoa beans offset its high sugar levels.
4. Dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.
5. Dark chocolate can actually protect your skin from the sun. In one study conducted on 30 people, MED (the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in skin), more than doubled among subject participants after they consumed dark chocolates high in flavanols for 12 weeks. This is one more good reason to load up on dark chocolate this summer!
If you love chocolates (who doesn’t?), various outlets and shops in Qatar offer some very tempting chocolate goodies and pastries to celebrate your love for this treat.
Caramel Lobby Lounge, City Centre Rotana Doha
Genuine chocolates, fresh fruits and different flavoured ice cream!
Book your table by calling 4445 8888 or send an email to [email protected].
La Patisserie, Al Bidda Boutique Hotel
This is not an exclusive specialty chocolate shop, but if you find yourself roaming the paved streets of Souq Waqif, you may as well stop for a Chocolate Fondant or a Chocolate Liegeois. Call 4433 6666 or email [email protected] for reservations.
Prime, Intercontinental Doha The City
It’s all about More Meat Mondays at Prime, but this restaurant also boasts of a decadent Chocolate Mousse …
Book your table by calling 4015 888 or send an email to [email protected].
Riqqa Cafe, Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay
Chocolate pastries and coffee to go at reasonable prices plus they have the BUY ONE, GET ONE desserts promotion.
Buy one, take one desserts available daily after 6 pm. Call 4019 9999 for more information.
The Social, Fraser Suites West Bay
This is a special treat to celebrate Chocolate – and partake of their special buffet. Call 4495 5115 to book your table.
West End Cafe & Patisserie, Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
Decadent patisserie selection and homemade iced tea.
Call 4419 5000 for more information.
Ya Hala, Hilton Doha
They offer unique 3D cakes in their dessert bar, with Starbucks coffee.
Call 4423 3222 or email [email protected] for more information.
Zest Chocolate Cafe, Banana Island Resort by Anantara
Too much effort for a chocolate treat? You’ll probably forget the boat ride after you’ve had a taste of their mouth-watering cakes and pastries.
Call 4040 5050 to book your table.
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