This Just In….Education and Training
Information courtesy of Kansas Farm Bureau’s Education and Training
Commodity Highlight—Chocolate
Chocolates are a traditional gift to give on Valentine’s Day. There are many different types, flavors and variations of this favorite candy. Chocolate is internationally revered and has found its place among many cultures as a delicacy. Kansas even has a claim to the chocolate business:
Russell Stover Chocolates (one location in Abilene) is the largest manufacture of Valentine’s Day candy, selling more heart-shaped boxes than any other company. They are also the No. 1 producer of general boxed chocolates.
The cocoa plant, which chocolate is derived from, requires a very specific climate. It can only be grown in the USA in USDA hardiness zone 11-13. These zones include Hawaii, southern Florida, some parts of California and Puerto Rico.
For chocolate to be considered “milk chocolate” it must contain at least 12 percent milk ingredients. That is 5.16g of milk in a 43g Hershey bar.
With more than 350 million bars sold each year, that is almost 4 million pounds of milk used in chocolate production.
Resources: Read more about Russell Stover, chocolate ingredients, and Hershey.
