As you may already know, we have two types of chocolate here at Brasstown – the origin chocolates and the ingredients chocolate. The origin chocolates have special taste because of the origin of the cacao beans they are made from. On the other hand, the ingredients bars have special tasting notes because of the specific ingredients we put in the chocolate (blueberries, chili peppers, salt…).

This blog is dedicated to some of the curious facts about Brasstown chocolate’s special ingredients.

Sea salt

Did you know that salt was an extremely valuable in the Mayan Empire?

Apparently, it was so rare in their area, that it was often referred to as “white gold”. Some theories suggest that the word “salary” actually originates from the word “salt” because people over there used to be paid in salt for the work they’ve done. Luckily, that’s not the case nowadays!

Did you know that only 6% of salt produced in the US is used for cooking?

Even though it sounds odd, most of the salt is used in chemical industry. Around 17% is used for de-icing streets and highways during winter. But only the best grains of sea salt end up in a premium craft chocolate. Because it still retains some of its properties, a gift of fine sea salt chocolate might be the best way to break the ice!

Blueberries

Did you know what country is the biggest producer of the blueberries in the world?

Maine! If you live in the region, you’re lucky – you can enjoy this delicious fruit fresh from the field. You can easily get some wild blueberries from almost anyone in Northern Maine. Blueberries grown there are not planted from seed or transplanted – they are wild! Are you surprised as much as I am?

Did you know that there are people arguing that blueberries should change the name?

Apparently, the name blueberry suggests that the fruit is blue, but in fact, it’s blue only on the outside. On the inside, they are green or white. The suggested term which could potentially replace the word “blueberries” is “star berries”. That’s what Native American Indians used to call them because of the little star shape that’s formed at the bottom of the berry.

Chili peppers

Did you know that chili peppers are spicy only to mammals?

We are the only animals sensitive to capsaicin – the spicy ingredient that makes your tongue burn. Birds, for example, have no problems eating them as much as they want. In fact, birds are responsible for spreading the chili seeds across most of South America.

Did you know that chili peppers were used as a weapon in Ancient Asia?

People would usually have a bag full of crushed chili peppers in theirs houses in case someone tries to break in. If anything like that happens, they would throw the bag into their enemy’s face. I believe that this method later evolved into pepper spray! Luckily, Brasstown Chocolate uses the chili peppers only for crafting some delicious chocolate. And you’re always welcome at our place.