Moreholidays December Cocoa Day

                           

National Cocoa Day

Hot Chocolate Cocoa Day

About National Cocoa Day

When is National Cocoa Day? This holiday is always observed on December 13

It’s mid-December. Baby, It’s cold outside. The snow is piling up outside, too. It’s only fitting, that today is National Cocoa Day. This December 13 holiday is also called National Hot Chocolate Day. There’s nothing better to do on a cold winter’s night than to sit by the fireside with a mug full of hot cocoa.

Did You Know? There is a basic difference between cocoa and hot chocolate. Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, which comes from roasted cacao beans minus the cocoa butter. Hot chocolate is made from melted chocolate. Many people do not know this distinction. And, many people do not care. They only care that both drinks are delicious!

The ancient Mayans created the first chocolate beverages more than 2,000 years ago. It was called “Xocolatl”. By 1,400 A.D., when European explorers first arrived, they found cocoa was an important part of the Aztec civilization. In addition to being part of their diet, cocoa was used medicinally. It aids in digestion. It is loaded with antioxidants, which help prevent cancer.

Have it Your Way! There are a lot of things you can add to hot cocoa. Among them are:

  • Marshmallows
  • Cinnamon
  • Whipped cream
  • Peppermint
  • Candy canes
  • Caramel
  • Vanilla
  • Syrups and creamers
  • Peppermint schnapps or liquor.

Cocoa Versus Chocolate

There are differences between Cocoa and Chocolate. Both come from cacao beans of the cacao tree. Also, cocoa butter comes from cacao beans. However, there are many differences between cocoa and chocolate. Those differences are in both the process and the ingredients.

Cocoa is a pure powder made from cacao beans. it contains little or no cocoa butter. Cocoa has a more bitter taste, as it has no sugars.

Chocolate is a mixture of cocoa, cocoa butter, sugar, milk, and usually a few other ingredients. The sugars in chocolate make it much sweeter than cocoa.

Also, another important difference between the two, is that cocoa is healthier for you. It is higher in healthy antioxidants, and lower in sugars. 

Did You Know? Now that you know the difference between cocoa and chocolate, it shouldn’t surprise you to know that when someone hands you a cup of hot cocoa might actually be hot chocolate.

Cocoa Trivia

  • The Swiss consume the most cocoa, about 22 pounds per person per year.
  • Pure cocoa has little or no sugar.
  • In comparison, the average American consumes just 11 pounds per year.
  • Cocoa comes from the cacao tree. Therefore, it is a vegetable!
  • Cacao trees are native to hot, rainy, tropical regions.
  • Ancient Aztec tribes called it “xocolatl”, which translates to “Bitter Water”. 
  • Aztec tribes considered xocolatl more valuable than gold or silver.
  • The Swiss consume more chocolate than any other nation. 

How to Celebrate National Cocoa Day

It’s fun and easy to celebrate National Hot Cocoa Day. Grab your favorite mug, fill it with hot cocoa, or hot chocolate, and enjoy. Oh, don’t forget the marshmallows. You can also:

  • Make it for others. 
  • Bring it to work to share with your co-workers.
  • Try adding different flavorings.
  • Tonight, enjoy hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps. 
  • Have a taste test. Taste and compare cocoa and chocolate.
  • Here’s a novel idea: Make your own homemade marshmallows. How to Make Homemade Marshmallows.

Today's Quote

Confucius Says ” Man who drive like hell, bound to get there.”

History and Origin of National Cocoa Day

Our research has not yet uncovered who the creator of this day is, or why he or she created it. Perhaps, they fell asleep by the fireside, cup of hot chocolate in hand.

This holiday has been in existence since 2010, or a little before.

We did not find a congressional or presidential proclamation making this day a true national day.

Definition of “National” Days – And why it is important to distinguish true national days.



Related Holidays and Articles

People who like this holiday will also like:

National Hot Chocolate Day

Toasted Marshmallow Day

National Whipped Cream Day

Chocolate Trivia – Enjoy it on any type of chocolate holiday. There are several.

More December 13 Holidays

Here are more December 13 holidays and events we are certain you will enjoy:

Ice Cream Day

Violin Day

More About Today

This Day in History

Famous November Birthdays

Recipe of the Day: Peanut Butter Cookies

Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any December calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!

Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.

Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently., at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.

Please Support Our Site. Shop for: