Chocolate is more than a Valentine's gift

FALLBROOK – Many cannot resist chocolate, that beloved creamy, sweet confection derived from cocoa beans, milk, and sugar. All over the world people love to indulge in chocolate and it is a popular gift for Valentine’s Day.

According to data from Leatherhead Food Research, Switzerland consumes more chocolate per capita than any other country in the world. Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria, and Belgium round out the top five.

Despite its apparent popularity in Europe, chocolate was first popularized among the Olmecs of Mexico, who used cocoa beans more than 3,500 years ago. However, it...