Will chocolate really run out soon?

The cacao tree, the tree from which cocoa is extracted, is threatened with extinction due to the climate change we have witnessed in recent years.

More than half of chocolate comes from Africa

The cocoa tree is an evergreen tree with white flowers and colourful fruit that thrives best in humid tropical climates with rich soils and plenty of shade and rain, and stable high temperatures. This makes it a rather ungrateful tree to grow in, as it can only grow in a narrow belt near the equator where temperature, rain and humidity are relatively stable throughout the year. The situation is particularly worrying as more than half of all the world''s chocolate comes from two countries in West Africa - Côte d''Ivoire and Ghana. This beautiful tree, whose name means "food of the gods" in Latin, is threatened with extinction by 2050 due to rising temperatures and lack of rainfall. Current forecasts suggest that chocolate production will fall by as much as 100,000 tonnes a year in the coming years - a real fear and trepidation for any chocoholic!

US scientists join forces with world-famous chocolate maker

Scientists at the University of California have decided to join forces with Mars, the American candy manufacturer best known for Snickers chocolates. Together they are working to save chocolate lovers from this disaster. They are exploring the use of CRISPR technology to help cocoa trees withstand new climate challenges.

The cocoa tree, from which cocoa is extracted, is threatened with extinction.

This technology allows scientists to modify DNA in a way that has never been possible before. The new invention will be welcomed with open arms in developing countries, where cocoa is the main source of livelihood for many. If all goes to plan, cocoa trees will be able to cope with an increasingly dry, warm climate and water shortages that have so far scared the bones out of farmers around the world.

What can we do as chocoholics?

Chocolate has been taken for granted by many, but since the chocolate world is in crisis, it is up to each one of us to help make chocolate a permanent fixture in our lives. It is very important to store it properly, because not every place is suitable for storing chocolate. This will ensure that we do not throw it away unnecessarily and show that we care about keeping this tasty treat in our lives.

• Keep chocolate away from strong smells and direct sunlight

Do not store chocolate next to food that has strong smells, as chocolate absorbs them like a sponge. In addition, do not expose it to direct sunlight, as this can cause the chocolate to lose its true flavour and shape. It is advisable to store it in an airtight container, as this can preserve its true flavour.

• Store in a dry place

One of the main enemies of chocolate is moisture, as it can cause the chocolate to condense, destroying its true shape. Of course, chocolate is still edible despite high humidity levels, but it is nowhere near as tasty as it would otherwise be.

• Store at around 17 °C

In addition to strong odours and moisture, chocolate is also affected by heat. This not only destroys its shape, but also its taste or aroma. Even if the temperature is too high, the chocolate is still edible, but the cocoa butter in the chocolate may come to the surface and light spots may appear on the surface. On the other hand, temperatures that are too low are also not good for chocolate, as they can also cause light spots or ''chocolate bloom''. We therefore advise against storing it in the fridge - instead, store it in a drawer where it will have ideal conditions.

Whether chocolate will really run out in the next 30 years is, of course, a matter for debate. A lot can change in three decades; while scientists warn that cocoa trees are endangered, they cannot predict with certainty whether they will also disappear from the face of the Earth. So experts are divided - while some warn of catastrophe, others say there is no particular cause for concern yet. But one thing is true: the future of chocolate is quite uncertain due to climate change, so just treat yourself to an extra piece of your favourite chocolate - and do it without any guilt!

SOURCES:
- https://www.businessinsider.com/when-chocolate-extinct-2017-
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