World Chocolate Day falls on 7th July and is the perfect time to celebrate all things chocolate! What’s better, you can celebrate with some incredible artisan chocolate from right here in Dorset!
It is believed that World Chocolate Day is celebrated on 7th July because that was the day that it was introduced into Europe from warmer places like Africa and Brazil. Similarly, in America, there is a separate World Chocolate Day to celebrate the birthday of the founder of the Hershey’s Chocolate Company. To be honest, when Dorset chocolate is involved, we’re happy to celebrate more than once!
There are several people creating incredible chocolate treats across the county, with options from dark chocolate to white chocolate to vegan and lactose-free versions.
Chococo was founded in 2002 and has grown into one of the best-known chocolate brands in the county. Their chocolates are crafted with ingredients from the local area and are believed to be one of the first UK chocolatiers to make truly fresh chocolates with no additives or preservatives, making them rather unique. Though their products are now sold in department stores and at their own Chocolate Houses across the south west, they are still hand crafted in small batches using only the finest single origin chocolates from Venezuela, Ecuador, Madagascar and Columbia.
Another local chocolatier is Chocolate ArtHouse who have been on the scene since 2019. They converted their garage near Sturminster Newton into a small chocolate studio and now create a selection of colourful and delicious chocolates using natural ingredients which are all made by hand. Their creations are made using a blend of Belgian and Columbian chocolate to make their masterpieces which include their unique collection of colourful chocolate stilettos. With soft, fruity centres these are some of the most interesting chocolate flavours you could enjoy on World Chocolate Day, find out more here.
Though we love chocolate for a treat, did you know it can also be good for you? If you want a guilt free sweet this July, check out what is on offer from Sweet Healing Chocolatiers. Sugar and chemical free, their chocolate has been perfected over the last two years to deliver award winning combinations that help you work towards your healthiest self. One of their best sellers is their Elysian Truffle which are a perfect, natural pick me up with no caffeine and full of ingredients known for their anti inflammatory and digestive properties. Order yours here.
Once you’ve stocked up on your chocolate, why not find out more about the history of the nation’s favourite treat here? It is believed that chocolate as we know it originated in Mexico, where the Olmec people began going cacao. Cacao has been known about for much longer, with some trees thought to be over 100 million years old. The Ancient Mayans were known to use cacao to make drinks which were used in their ceremonies before later becoming a useful commodity in trade. Cacao was presented to Christopher Columbus when he arrived in the New World in 1502 but its potential wasn’t really discovered until 1519, when the Spanish recorded the first ever hot chocolate. Chocolate drinks then began to grow in popularity, spreading across Europe in the summer months with the first chocolate house opening in London in 1657. Chocolate remained a drink until around 1830 when it was first moulded into a chocolate bar and from there, as we say, the rest is history.
Find out more about chocolate treats in Dorset to enjoy this World Chocolate Day here.
