Did You Get Enough Chocolate This Week?

Where does chocolate come from?

Cacao beans come from the Theobromo tree (a fruit tree) and grows no taller than about 25 feet. It has American football-sized pods. Inside are the cacao beans, encased in white, fleshy pulp. It is the beans that are used to make chocolate.

Studies show that dark chocolate, not milk or white chocolates, has great health benefits.

• improves brain function

• reduces stress

• balances the immune system because of the flavonols

• the antioxidants increase heart health

• combats diabetes — epicatechin makes cells stronger

The higher the percentage of cacao, the more beneficial.

Recipe:

Lately, I’ve been making hot chocolate by using Fair Trade, organic cacao powder with milk and honey. Heat the milk, cacao powder, and honey, stirring well. Add orange peel, cinnamon, and/or nutmeg for flavor.

맛있게 드세요(mas-issge deuseyo) — Enjoy!