 Chokatos: Neopia’s Chocolate Fruits
by justin_967
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There’s nothing quite like a fresh Chokato. While every land has its culinary treasures, few Neopian foods inspire the same mix of delight, confusion, and obsession as the Chokato. At first glance, this squat little fruit looks unremarkable--its waxy blue skin and bulging red spots are hardly appetising. But just a single bite will reveal its delicious charm. A fusion between the deep, rich flavours of chocolate and the sweet, umami tang of tomatoes, these fruits’ unique flavour has become one of Neopia's favourite treats. But how did this humble fruit rise from obscurity to become one of the most recognised flavours in Neopia? To answer that, we'll need to dig into its humble island origins, its spread across the world, and the bittersweet craze that has followed. Origins of the Chokato While this fruit is now a familiar Neopian staple, it wasn't always so. You might be surprised to learn that Chokatos were originally found on Mystery Island. In fact, wild Chokatos are still gathered and sold as a gourmet treat at the island’s Tropical Foods. Chokato plants grow in soft, sandy soil, sending up very distinctive sprouts that Chokato gatherers search for. The island is also home to the lesser-known, but very pretty, Pink Chokato. Sadly, both of these fruits are quite rare in the wild, making them a rather expensive delicacy.  
Chokatos, as nature intended Of course, the Chokato did not remain on the island. As trade between Mystery Island and the mainland grew, Chokatos became a focus of demand and cultivation. Chokatos are hardy, quick-growing, and resistant to common pests. These tasty jungle delicacies found fertile ground in lands as far away as Meridell and Brightvale, whose rich and sandy soils were ideal for Chokato cultivation. Chokatos are also nutritious and well-suited for use as feed for livestock, and remain a popular choice for Petpet food even today, It wasn’t long before the humble Chokato was a staple crop for many Neopian farmers. First Chokato Products The cultivation of the Chokato was fuelled in no small part by its versatility. Chokatos can be enjoyed fresh just as easily as they can be cooked, juiced, or dried. Derivative Chokato products, such as Chokatoade and Chokato Jam, quickly became popular.  
Simple Chokato snacks Chokatos are also unique in their ability to meld into both sweet and savoury dishes. Their rich umami flavour makes them delectable when featured in savoury dishes. In Shenkuu, Chokatos found their way inside of dumplings, while in Tyrannia, they became frequent additions to the famed Giant Omlette. Elsewhere, the Chokato was prized more for its role in sweeter dishes. In Neopia Central and Happy Valley, their chocolatey sweetness found its way into classic desserts like slushies, cakes, and pies. The Chokato's mild taste even makes it suitable as Baby Food. Soon, many were left asking “What couldn’t this little blue fruit do?”    
   
A selection of sweet and savoury Chokato dishes The Chokato Craze It wasn’t long until Neopia’s fascination with this chocolate fruit took on a life of its own. Chokatos have been featured in art, clothing, and even secret avatars. The Chokato aroma has become a fixture of the beauty industry, finding its way into soaps, shampoos, and lip gloss. Chokatos have become a feature of Neopian homes as models for chairs, beanbags, and tables. Some pets have taken the form of a Chokato themselves! The Chokato Chia and the Chokato Kiko proudly wear their glossy blue-and-red pattern for all to see.   
  
Chokatos for EVERYONE!!! Some enthusiastic Neopians have even gone so far as to ascribe sentience to the fruits. Chokatos are the only Neopian fruits that have been documented as Shopkeepers in Neopian shops. Who wouldn't want a cheerful, bouncing Chokato to greet their customers? Their round, plump design is a marketing dream: cute, friendly, and instantly recognisable. These unique employees are even known to wear hats or dress as pirates!
“Arr, no one messes with the Pirate Chokato” The Backlash Of course, such popularity rarely comes without controversy. Some Neopians grew tired of the endless parade of Chokato-themed goods. “Not everything needs to taste like Chokato!” they cried with increasing anguish. For many, a turning point came in Y14, when Chokato-Free New Year became Neopian Times' best seller. The number of new Chokato-flavoured dishes has plummeted since. In fact, Y20 marks the last time a new Chokato food item would hit the Neopian shops.
To Chokato enthusiasts, the problem is not with the abundance of Chokato items. Rather, the proliferation of lower-quality Chokato substitutes is to blame for its decreased popularity. “While these substitutes have a superficial similarity to the flavour of the Chokato, they lack the depth of flavour and nutritional value,” says Quinton, owner of Neopia Central’s Health Food Shop. “It’s a much less appealing experience!” 
Buyers beware! It’s just not the same Neopians looking for genuine Chokato treats should always check the ingredients and avoid products with labels like "imitation" or "artificial" Chokato Flavours. Quinton also recommends that consumers prioritise products with whole fruits rather than Chokato jams or puree. "It's a lot easier to feel confident if there's a Chokato looking back at you while you eat." Chokatos Today Despite the decline in the release of new dishes, Chokatos remain one of the most popular flavours across Neopia. From its tropical roots to farm fields, kitchens, shops, and even the Neoboards, the Chokato has grown far beyond its humble beginnings. There's just something about its chocolate-tomato goodness that can't be beat! Whether you enjoy them fresh, as a gourmet dessert or a hearty meal, or simply safeguarding your shop till from behind the counter, the Chokato has earned its place as one of Neopia’s most enduring icons. Love it or hate it, one thing is certain: Neopia’s chocolate fruit is here to stay.
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