Since times immemorial, chocolates and red roses have been the staples for Valentine’s Day. Chocolates are considered a symbol of love, passion, care and happiness and are exchanged between lovers on Valentine’s Day.
Chocolates have been used for aeons by people to express their love, apology and admiration for their special ones. This is because they tend to melt hearts and spread love and happiness. Ever wondered who declared chocolates as a symbol of love? Read along to learn more about the history of chocolates and how they became a universal symbol of romance.
History of Chocolate as a Valentine’s Day staple
One of the most important ingredients used to make chocolates are cacao beans. It is believed that ancient tribes harvested cacao beans from the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao beans were sacred, and they were treasured more than gold. In those times, people used cacao beans as a currency to buy food and other essentials.
In the olden times, common people could not afford chocolate price and only royals bought it to gift their loved ones on special occasions. It was later in the 19th century that Richard Cadbury finally made chocolates economical, and it was no more a luxury. He invented the heart-shaped box of chocolate and decided to associate them with Valentine’s Day and the rest is history.
Cacao beans were revered
Cacao beans were used by rich people in the olden times during special occasions like marriages and birthday celebrations. People used to make a drink using chocolate and other spices and drink it as a part of a ritual or a ceremony.
Did you know that cacao beans come from the “Theobroma cacao” tree, which in Greek means “food for the Gods”? Hence, cacao beans are considered to be rich, sacred and a luxurious delicacy that is a perfect gift to give your loved ones on Valentine’s Day.
Visit the ITC store to buy Fabelle chocolate assortment boxes for your loved ones to let them know how much you adore them.
Chocolate as an aphrodisiac
It is believed that in the 16th century, Aztec Emperor Moctezuma used chocolate as an aphrodisiac. It is said that he noticed that his ability to please his lovers increased after he consumed chocolate. Hence, he started drinking chocolate as an elixir. This could be one of the reasons why even today we see media linking chocolate to romance and love.
It is said that chocolate contains a substance that shoots up your desire and makes you more open to romance. In olden times, it is believed that European royalty used to give their partners chocolates mixed with amber to stimulate their love.
Benefits of consuming chocolates
Cacao is rich in flavonoids, which is a useful antioxidant. Some researchers believe that the theory that chocolates can be used as an aphrodisiac comes from it having natural stimulants like caffeine and theobromine. Cacao is said to open blood vessels to improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your brain.
It increases your alertness, heart rate and blood pressure making people believe that it can be used as an aphrodisiac. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is said to have a positive effect on your mood and act as an antidepressant.
Chocolate is good for your health as they are known to release endorphins into the body which are responsible for making you feel happy and boosting your energy and desires.
So, the next time you go grocery shopping, don’t forget to pick up some of your favourite dark chocolate bars and enjoy them guilt-free knowing that they are good for you.
The bottom line is that the association between chocolates and romance is ancient, and it is here to stay. Looking for luxury chocolates to gift your partner this Valentine’s Day? Head over to the ITC store to shop for Fabelle chocolates which will instantly transport you to chocolate heaven.
