The story of chocolate, as far back as we know it, begins with the discovery of America. Until 1492, the Old World knew nothing at all about the delicious and stimulating flavor that was to become the favorite of millions.

The Court of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella got its first look at the principal ingredient of chocolate when Columbus returned in triumph from America and laid before the Spanish throne a treasure trove of many strange and wonderful things. Click here

 
 
Growing the Cocoa Bean  |   Varieties of Cacao  |   Crop for Shipment  |   How to Make Cocoa Powder
Bean to Chocolate  |   What is Conching?  |   Automation Does the Job  |   A Sanitary Atmosphere
Eating Chocolates  |   Growing Chocolates  |   Chocolates just for kids

ARTICLES

Eating the Blues

We sing the blues but shouldn't we eat the blues as well? Well, we're in luck: it is blueberry season and we all could benefit from having some blues in our diets. Most of us encounter blueberries only minimally: folded into muffins or sprinkled into fruit salads.However, science has been extremely invested in this pebble-sized super food as of late, conducting countless studies on this small wonder.

Let's put it this way: if the blueberry were a Broadway play, a star-studded lineup of nutrients would be on the Playbill.Blueberries feature a low glycemic index. A one half cup serving of blueberries is only forty calories, containing nutrients like potassium and iron as well and vitamin C. Blueberries also provide dietary fiber, in fact, two grams in ½ cup serving.

This equals the amount of fiber in a slice of whole wheat bread.They may be small but they pack a powerful punch. Health Magazine has recently listed blueberries as the top source of antioxidant activity in their Guide to 50 Super Foods.According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, their high level of antioxidants helps the body to slow the process of aging and protect cells against damage.Blueberries are especially rich in the antioxidants called anthocyannins, which are also present in blackberries, radishes, red cabbage, grapes and apples.

Blueberries are lovers of the brain. In fact, some neuroscientists call it the brain berry.Foods that are blue or purple in hue are often overlooked in our diets.

These colors deeply promote urinary tract health, memory function and encourage healthy aging with their vast array of phytochemicals such as phenolics and the aforementioned anthocyannins.Next time you pass by them in the supermarket, you should swipe a carton or two. Give your body a chance to sing the blues.

.Ryan Joseph is a writer/researcher. For info on Blueberry-rich Sea Health Plus, which has 1,600 ORAC units per serving, go to Sea Health Plus from Dr.

Barry Sears.

By: Ryan Joseph



Chocolate






The Gentle Art of Frying - A stranger approached the Abbey, or so the story goes, and hammered on the old oaken door.

How to eat well on a tight budget - Just about everyone wants to eat better, but budgetary constraints sometimes make healthy eating a difficult goal.

Do you know how to choose the healthiest frozen meals - When it comes to eating healthy, fresher is almost always better.

Kid Recipes - How To Teach Your Children To Cook If you're ready to teach your children how to cook (with kid recipe), here are some simple tips for teaching them the basics, and giving them skills that will last them a lifetime.

Chinese Cuisine Whats In A Name - There's more to Chinese cuisine than meets the taste buds.

more...