Cocoa pods from Ambanja, Madagascar

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A chocolate lover's favorite fruit. World Chocolate Day

Happy World Chocolate Day! Hidden inside these colorful pods are cocoa seeds, or beans, which will be fermented, roasted, and ground on their way to being turned into chocolate, a sweet treat with a worldwide fanbase.

Chocolate has a fascinating history. Its origins can be traced back to the Indigenous Olmec people of Mesoamerica, who dried and fermented the seeds of the cacao tree to create an unsweetened alcoholic beverage. The solid chocolate bars we love today came much later, in the 19th century, when J.S. Fry and Sons put them into production. The company created its first solid bar in 1847, closely followed in 1849 by rival firm Cadbury. Things snowballed from there and today, we are spoiled for choice. So, whether you prefer the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, or the bitterness of super dark chocolate, today is the perfect time to indulge yourself in this delicious confection.