National Dark Chocolate Day

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February 1st is National Dark Chocolate Day in the United States.

In the U.S., dark chocolate is normally referred to by two different names, bittersweet chocolate and semisweet chocolate. Semisweet normally has more sugar in it than bittersweet chocolate. Most other countries will call it dark or plain chocolate. Both bittersweet and semisweet chocolate must, in the U.S., contain a minimum of 35% cocoa solids.

Dark chocolate is more bitter than milk chocolate, because it contains more cocoa solids and lacks the sweetness that comes from milk. Th exact amount of cocoa solids may vary, with the dark chocolate varying in bitterness as a result, and it is increasingly common - and in some countries required - for companies to print the cocoa percentages on the wrapping. Dark chocolate is popular in cooking, and the most bitter types are perhaps only suitable for cooking with; the taste is too bitter for most consumers. Like other types of chocolate, dark chocolate may also have other ingredients added to it; mint chocolates are a popular after dinner treat.

National Bittersweet Chocolate Day

National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is on January 10th in the United States.

Bittersweet is one of the different classifications of chocolate. The definition - and, indeed, the name - does vary from country and region to country and region.

Bittersweet, which is also called semisweet or dark chocolate, is one of the more bitter, and stronger flavoured, types of chocolate. Some sugar has been added to it, but less than a third. In the US, bittersweet needs at least 35% chocolate liquor and less than 12% milk solids. In the EU, there is no precise correlating chocolate type, but dark would be the normal description. There are also generally more requirements that need to be met, and chocolate liquor is not measured.

Chocolate does contain a number of things that are quite good for you, but the presence of the sugar makes them less so. Bittersweet chocolate, having less sugar, is therefore healthier - you can get the health benefits without the sugar disadvantages. It is too strongly flavoured for some, though, but it is popular in cooking.

National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day

November 7th is National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day in the US.

How precise a national day is this? It's not chocolate, it's not even chocolate with nuts, but it's a specific type of chocolate with a specific type of (culinary) nut.

Bittersweet chocolate is chocolate that has less sugar added than the more sweet types, such as milk chocolate. It also has less, or no, milk added Bittersweet is also known as dark chocolate in other countries. The percentage of cocoa does vary for bittersweet, both within the chocolate type itself and in different countries and regions. The actual components measured also changes. In the US, bittersweet has 35% or more chocolate liquor and 12% or less in milk solids.

Nuts, both culinary and botanical, are always a popular additive to chocolate, and almonds are no exception. Almonds are often added to sweet dishes, but they will usually be cooked (such as by toasting) first.