Chocolate could easily be said as one of the most popular food to be associated with romance and love. Why would it not be, considering the delectability and the sheer sinfulness of the very ambrosial treat? Chocolate has been popularly referred to as the “food for the gods.” It has theobromine, a substance which aptly translates as “food of the gods.” Perhaps because of its very distinct taste and purported effects on men such as it being an aphrodisiac, chocolate has found its niche in pop culture.
No one can quite say what gave chocolate the reputation it has now: a staple in every Valentine’s and romantic celebration. Chocolate truffles, chocolate bars and just about any chocolate in any form are very popular gifts for those who are feeling a bit romantic. Its reputation as an aphrodisiac, and one to induce good vibes, precedes it as any culture understands the effects of chocolate.
Chocolate is a pop culture symbol which is used and referred to many times in literature, in movies among many other popular representations in media. It has pervaded popular media which makes it a very strong and powerful symbol which might perhaps stand the test of time and taste.
Chocolate in Literature and the Movies
It is not surprising how chocolate is alluded in literature too many times. This is because its reputation as one with ambrosial taste, as aphrodisiac and as one which instantly makes people happy is one which has surpassed time and culture. Here are two of the most popular references about chocolate in popular literary culture:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Perhaps the most popular pop culture reference is Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was first written for the young adult crowd, and is now being enjoyed by the world over because of several movies done under its name. Chocolate has found its way in pop culture and has made for itself a niche in the hearts and minds of the world over. The young and the old enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory not only because of the magic attached to the factory, but also because it features chocolates.
Chocolat
Perhaps one of the most renowned popular romantic references to chocolate is the movie from the book of the same name. It is about a small town in France, and the spellbinding effects of chocolate. In fact, two movies go by the same name however, it was the second one with the same name which was well received by critics. This movie elevates the effect of chocolate and its magical effects to one which is enchanting and spellbinding.
Like Water for Chocolate
Considering that chocolate was originally from the South American region and that Mexico is a region near it and known to have cacao growing in their backyard, it is very apt, then, for a Mexican novel to have a chocolate reference. Mexican mysticism is
Chocolate has long been tied to romance. During romantic holidays and anniversaries, it is not surprising how chocolates will factor in the gifts and common sights during occasions when romance is brought to mind. This is not only because of the fact that chocolates are very sweet and is known to instantly make people happy because of certain substances in it which contributes to the release of endorphin, a hormone known to make people happy.
Traditionally, chocolates are given out as a gift of love. Along with roses and other forms of love declarations, chocolates rank as one of the most popular gifts to show romance. Because of this, chocolates are being claimed as aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs are substances which are said to arouse carnal desires. The word is coined from the goddess of love Aphrodite.
Throughout history, chocolate has been recognized as a food known for its stimulating characteristics. In older South American cultures, such as the Mayans and the Aztecs, people are said to consume chocolate or to give chocolates to their lovers in order to arouse themselves. In fact, legend has it that Montezuma, an Aztec ruler, used to consume a lot of chocolate before going to some of his wives.
The richness and the decadence of chocolate contribute a little sinfulness to it which suggests sensuality. This can not be completely separated from the romance and lust attributed to chocolate.
There is evidence to support the claim that Chocolates are indeed aphrodisiacs. There are three very dominant substances in chocolate which contribute to the said aphrodisiac effect: caffeine, theobromine and phenyethylamine.
Caffeine is known to be the strongest substance in coffee. Caffeine is, in fact, considered to be the most addictive substance in coffee. It is a stimulant which affects the Central Nervous System (CNS) and is said to be a psychoactive substance, one which makes the senses alert. Theobromine is a substance known to be found in chocolates and cacao plants. They are used to stimulate the muscles of the heart and the nervous system. It is in fact said to be a heart stimulant, a substance known to improve the physical function of the heart. Phenyethylamine is said to be an anti-depressant. Consumption makes one feel less depressed and their moods notably elevated.
Imagine the effects induced by these aforementioned substances: heart stimulant, happiness, a general feeling of elation, a bit jumpy and slightly giddy. The correlation to love, romance and lust is never far behind.
While there had been no study which directly proves the correlation of chocolates as aphrodisiacs or as a sexual stimulant, it can not be completely said that there is no correlation. Considering the effects the substances in chocolate produce in the body, the sexual stimulating effect is not too far behind. Also, it has to be kept in mind than when individuals collectively believe an idea, the idea is spear headed by a placebo effect which allows for the influence of the effect caused by the substance, in this case chocolates as aphrodisiac.
Chocolates, whether they are scientifically proven as aphrodisiacs or not, are always an excuse. There is always a good reason to consume chocolate: for endorphins to induce happiness, for its aphrodisiac effects, and even just because.
Wine pairing, an activity that pairs wine with certain foods to create a heavenly balance of taste, is a
popular activity among wine clubs. It brings out the fullest in any wine. From beef to chicken to seafood, many dishes have already been proven to go great with wine. But did you know that wine pairing can also be enjoyed using dessert recipes? And we are not pertaining to drinking dessert wines alongside, let us say, cakes, mind you. It is true that wines in general do not work well with most sweets, but wine and chocolate really make a great pairing.
While it may seem awkward to pair wine with chocolate, many wine enthusiasts and experts swear by the odd combination. Pairing wine with chocolate can be difficult, but it can be done; many chocolate books and websites can back that statement up. It is true that wine often times does not go well with any type of chocolate. But simple researching is all it takes to be able to create an unforgettable wine pairing activity out of this bizarre pairing.
The thing about pairing wine with chocolate is, you are sure to create a heavenly match if you
have the right wine to complement the right chocolate. The most basic rule with regards to pairing wine
with chocolate is, your wine should at least be as sweet as the chocolate you are about to serve it
with. In other words, when you are trying to pair wines and chocolate it is very important to match the strength of the two variants that you are matching. Ignoring this rule will result to a totally unappetizing, bitter or sour taste. If you are not a wine expert, your best bet is to match lighter-flavored chocolates with lighter-bodied wines. Likewise, stronger chocolates should go with stronger-bodied wines. As long as you keep in mind these things, you can be sure that your pairing can bring you and your friends gustatory bliss.
For those who are new to the idea of pairing wine with chocolate, red wines pair well with dark
chocolates. Popular brands of red wines that go well with any dark chocolate brand include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Zinfandel. Because of their dryness, white wines are the most difficult to pair with chocolates. If you want to use white wine for your wine pairing activity, it is safest to pair it with milk chocolates. Popular white wine brands include Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
Just because you need to follow many rules in order to successfully pair wine with chocolate, it does not mean that you cannot try and experiment with different chocolate and wine combinations. Of course, you can always mix and match wine with different variations of chocolates. One inexpensive way of experimenting with wine and chocolate pairings is picking up bars of Green and Black’s chocolate and trying them out with different wines. According to some wine pairing books, you will be able to gain a basic knowledge of which wines complement with basic chocolate varieties by doing this exercise.