1. The first chocolate treat was a spicy drink – The ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations were the first to cultivate cacao and consume it as a beverage. However, their version was far from the sweet hot chocolate we know today. It was a bitter, frothy drink flavoured with spices like chili and vanilla and was often used in rituals and ceremonies.
    
2. Chocolate was once money – believe it or not, the Aztecs used cacao beans as currency. Chocolate was so valuable that it was literally worth its weight in gold.
    
3. Chocolate is a mood booster – chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that triggers the release of endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ hormones. So that explains the blissful feeling you get after indulging in a piece of chocolate!
    
4. Dark chocolate is a superfood – packed with antioxidants, dark chocolate can improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and even boost brain function. Just another reason to savour that rich, bittersweet delight without guilt.
    
5. The rarest chocolate in the world comes from an ancient type of cacao bean thought to be extinct – and you can eat chocolate made from these beans right here in Tasmania. The “Pure Nacional” variety of cacao tree was rediscovered 10 years ago in the Maranon Valley in Peru. It grows at 3250 ft and produces purple and white beans. Tasmanian chocolatier Anvers Confectionery has the exclusive rights to introduce chocolate made with these beans, named Fortunato No. 4, into the Australian market.

Tasmanian chocolatier Anvers Confectionery has the exclusive rights to introduce chocolate made with these beans, named Fortunato No. 4, into the Australian market.