Overview
Dark chocolate is made from seeds from the Theobroma cacao tree.
It was developed around 1900 B.C. in Central and South America.
It was commonly drunk rather than eaten. As a drink it was rather bitter so later on it was modified into the food we know it as now!
Cocoa is known for its antioxidant properties, however, the antioxidants can get lost as dark chocolate is made and processed with cocoa.
The Look
Dark chocolate is usually found in the form of a candy bar.
It is darkly colored, almost always darker than milk chocolate.
It is usually divided into pieces that are easily broken away from the bar which makes it useful for cooking!
Nutrition
Iron
B6
Antioxidants
Benefits
Vitamin B6 is a promoter of healthy brain development.
Iron is used in the red blood cells and carries oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells.
Serving Size
The serving size for dark chocolate is approximately 1-2 ounces.
In 1 ounce of dark chocolate, there are 170 calories.
2.2g of protein.
3.1g of fiber.
13g of carbohydrates.
12.1g of fat
Uses, Cooking, & Recipes
Dark chocolate is found in many sweet treats such as brownies and cookies!
Ganache can be used as a chocolate base or dipping sauce made with dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate can be used as an ice cream topping.
To make dark chocolate sweeter in recipes adding honey or marshmallows is recommended.
Dark chocolate tastes well as a mousse and can be used in cakes and pastries!
It can be used as a topping for almonds and fruits. Dip almonds or strawberries in melted dark chocolate and let them harden to snack on later!
Storage
It is recommended that you do not store dark chocolate in the fridge.
Seal dark chocolate in an airtight container and away from light.
If the dark chocolate is needed for longer than 6 months, storing it in the freezer is ok and will keep its taste and texture when thawed.
Dark Chocolate. (n.d.). Retrieved December 01, 2020, from https://www.calorieking.com/us/en/foods/f/calories-in-chocolate-dark-chocolate-70-85-cocoa/ibnBFPeRQe-cu_KeJWy_wQ
Gropper, S. A., Smith, J. L., & Groff, J. L. (2018). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism (Sixth ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
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