The Chocolate Den: Fun Chocolate Facts
Contributed by Alexander Harmon
Chocolate was once money that literally grew on trees: In Mayan times, cacao beans were used as currency and considered to be worth more than gold dust. To keep the value of the cocoa bean in check, the cultivation of cacao trees was restricted. Otherwise, it would have been too tempting to just grow your own currency!
Chocolate wasn’t always solid, or sweet: Until 1847, chocolate was a delicacy enjoyed in bitter liquid form. The British chocolate company Fry and Sons introduced the concept of “eating chocolate” after combining cocoa butter, sugar, and chocolate liquor. This concoction was more grainy than smooth but was still enjoyed by many.
Chocolate does funny things to our brains: The mere smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which trigger relaxation. In fact, a study conducted at Hasselt University in Belgium showed that when the scent of chocolate was diffused in bookstores, sales of books increased — especially those of romance novels. Relaxation, indeed!
Chocolate also contains tryptophan, which the brain uses to produce serotonin, a hormone that causes generalized euphoria. So, eating chocolate really does make you happier!
The Chocolate Den, on Main Street in Wasilla, is an amazing place to try many chocolate treats to satisfy the palate and help our brains! Come check us out and enjoy a delicious piece of history.