This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
18,239-lb Chocolate Sculpture Made in Irvine Smashes Guinness World Record
An Irvine-based company has smashed a Guinness World Record for building the largest chocolate sculpture. Qzina Specialty Foods have made it into the chocolatey-sweet annals of history with their 18,239-pound ancient Mayan temple, that beats the previous world record by over 7,500 pounds. Yeah: That's a LOT of chocolate.
Qzina tells us it took their team, led by their Corporate Pastry Chef, Francois Mellet and MOF Stephane Treand (Meilleur Ouvrier de France or Best Craftsman in France) over 400 hours to create the massive treat made of solid chocolate.
The record-breaking structure is made to scale and faithfully and accurately recreates all of the details of a Mayan temple, like how many steps there are and the panels that represent elements of the Mayan calendar. The sculpture is six feet tall with a 10 foot by 10 foot base.
Why a Mayan theme? Qzina says it's all because of the role the Mayans played in the origins of chocolate: "The Mayans were one of the first civilizations to cultivate Cacao trees and discover the true potential of the cocoa bean. Realizing the delicious possibilities of this powerful discovery, the Mayans worshipped the Cacao tree and praised its beans as the food of the Gods."
If you want to see the sculpture in person, Qzina's Institute of Chocolate & Pastry in Irvine will have the temple on display starting June 4. But it won't be around long: Qzina plans to destroy the chocolate sculpture on December 21, 2012 when the Mayan calendar comes to an end. The method for destruction is yet to be determined, they tell us. (S'mores, anyone?) In the meantime, check out these photos.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
