Chocolate is possibly one of the world’s most favorite foods. Throughout centuries of time, it has been a highly sought after commodity, traded among the many nations of the world. Currently, conflicting reports circulate regarding the health detriments and benefits of this beloved food. Souheila Kurjie, co-owner of Patchi Chocolates (www.patchi.us) is here to help answer some of those questions.

Where does chocolate come from?
The cocoa tree grows in tropical regions: Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and the Ivory Coast, for example. The cocoa tree produces a pod in which cocoa beans ripen. After a process of fermentation and drying, the beans are roasted and shelled. The remaining cocoa nibs are milled to yield a cocoa paste. Milk, vanilla and emulsifiers are added and the mixture is kneaded and smoothed in a conching machine. After that, the chocolate is tempered so it can be molded, packaged, and sold!


What are some proven medicinal benefits of chocolate?

• Chocolate contains good fats that do not contribute to cholesterol.
  
  
• Chocolate is packed with minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and more.
  
  
• Chocolate provides us with several vitamins including B1, B2, D and E.
  
  
• Dark chocolate is a major source of antioxidants, which fight ageing of cells, can lessen causes of inflammation and arthritis, and may even act as an antihistamine to protect against some allergies.
  
  
• Contains fluoride and chocolate with a low sugar content can protect teeth against bacteria.
  
  
• Chocolate contains caffeine, which gives a boost of energy.
  
  
• Chocolate elevates one’s mood, decreases anxiety, and can be the sweetest antidepressant ever!
  

What are some proven maladies associated with chocolate?

High sugar content in some chocolate can make one gain weight and get one craving more sugar. This happens when one eats poor quality chocolates that just taste sweet because of sugar and other additives.


What makes some chocolates better than others,and what makes Patchi chocolates different in this regard?

Chocolate is like gourmet coffee. It takes the best beans and the best roasting techniques to create high quality chocolate. Contrary to popular belief, the percentage of cocoa in chocolate is not as important as the quality of the beans. It all comes down tothe quality of ingredients and the manufacturing of the ingredients, not percentage of cocoa alone. But do keep in mind that dark chocolate contains the least amounts of sugar and milk, if you are concerned about too much sugar or fat in your diet.

What sets Patchi apart from other brands is its distinctive taste and packaging. Patchi creates gourmet Belgian-style chocolates. The company uses high quality cocoa beans and the best raw ingredients such as pistachios, almonds, and hazelnuts that are roasted in house. We do not use additives or preservatives. Each chocolate piece is hand wrapped in special foil, keeping it fresh, elegant and exquisite in taste. This is what makes the International Patchi brand synonymous with gourmet chocolate and luxury gift giving.


Is it true that chocolate is linked to love stimulators in the brain? Is this what makes us love chocolate so much?

The idea that chocolate is an aphrodisiac is only a myth. Chocolate has been connected to love for a few reasons: It has the same mood-lifting chemicals associated with the physical and emotional rush of love or lust. Chocolate also aids stamina by providing a boost of energy. Basically chocolate makes one happy and happiness makes one more susceptible to feelings of love, giggles, and good mood.

On a personal note, I love chocolate that leaves a pleasurable taste in my palate. I kept looking for a brand that would make me and my guests go “Ooh” and “Ahh” when tasting it. According to our customers the taste is addictive and the chocolates are a connoisseur’s heaven on earth. We are very proud to be introducing this International brand to the US and are delighted to share the Patchi experience with our consumers at www.patchi.us.

The Patchi company has been established since 1974. It has reached Europe and Asia and now has 120 boutiques in 35 countries.

You can visit Patchi at www.patchi.us. Or call 1-800-998-0605.