World Cocoa Day is celebrated on 7 July, a date that pays tribute to one of the world’s most delicious and versatile products: chocolate. What better way to commemorate it than by immersing ourselves in its magic? This is exactly what our Chocolate Factory is proposing: an activity that is part of the Garden Experience entertainment programme, to which the whole family is invited to create the sweetest dishes of their holidays. An interactive workshop that is not just an opportunity to enjoy chocolate, but also a chance to learn about its origin and benefits.
Cocoa is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, and Mexico was a pioneer in its cultivation. Ancient Mexicans roasted and mixed cocoa beans with water, creating a rich and bitter drink called xocolatl. This drink found its way to Europe, where sugar was added to it to make it sweeter and more palatable. Cocoa fruit, known as berries, can be up to 30 centimetres long and range in colour from red and yellow to purple and brown. Inside, they contain between 20 and 40 seeds, which are the basis of the chocolate. Once processed, these seeds are mixed with sugar and other ingredients to create the different types of chocolate we know today.
Chocolate and health
One of the most common questions about chocolate is which is the healthiest. The answer depends on the percentage of cocoa: the higher the percentage of cocoa, the more beneficial the chocolate is to our health. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, which are good for the heart and skin. So, enjoying a good dark chocolate not only satisfies the palate, but also brings health benefits.
The Chocolate Factory of Garden Hotels is part of our Garden Experience entertainment programme and of the many options offered to share unforgettable moments with the family. A wide range of activities for all ages, from creative workshops to sports and evening entertainment. In our very own chocolate factory, both children and adults can create their own delicacies, learn interesting facts about this cocoa derivative and have a great time in our interactive workshops.
At Garden Hotels, we believe in the importance of creating unforgettable experiences and that is why the Chocolate Factory is a fun and educational way to bring families closer to the history and benefits of chocolate. Happy World Cocoa Day!