Chocolate is downright mouth-watering, and most of us aren't exactly aware of the reason why we just can't resist it allure.  But those who make chocolate pretty much know why people find it irresistible, and it all boils down to chemistry.

Chocolate may be sweet and all that but the main culprit for its unexplainable appeal is the fat, according to Professor Dolores O’Riordan of University College Dublin who is based in the Institute of Food and Health. In a lecture during the Science week named Smart Chemistry – Tasty Food!, she said "The melting of the fat is very important."

According to Professor O'Riordan, cocoa butter is the key fat in chocolate, something the chocolate maker has to do some chemistry on. In the said presentation, the audience was comprised of students. Much to their delight, they were shown samples of chocolate and had the chance of a taste test.

The size of "fat crystal" created during production was of the essence. Every chocolate has different melting points, but what these chocolatiers are usually aiming for is one that melts in the mouth. A large fat crystal which melts in the mouth at 33.8C degrees is the best bet.

"Essentially the food we eat is made of chemicals. We process the chemicals within the food to make them safe, to give them texture, to make them look and taste nice," Prof O'Riordan told her audience.

Chemistry is applied in altering aroma, color, texture, "and that all affects the food choices we make," she added. And according to her, contrary to popular belief, additives, preservatives and artificial colors aren't so bad. She claims that they are basically safe.

Interesting enough, the love of chocolate can be passed down to your offspring as Prof O’Riordan said "Genes can also influence our preferences for food."

There certainly is an array of food that people are passionate about, and chocolate is almost always in our list. Blame Chemistry!

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Joanna Maligaya

Staff Writer/Content Developer at Chocolate University Online

Ever since she can remember, Joanna has always considered chocolate as the ultimate food for her soul. She believes in the saying, “9 out of 10 people love chocolate, and the 10th always lies.”

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