Back in 1000 BC, the cacao tree was discovered by the people of South-east Mexico, which led to the creation of cocoa.
For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate is a delicacy that’s hard to resist. Even those who don’t consider themselves chocolate lovers can’t help but indulge in a Kit-Kat or a Mars bar.
With its various types and flavors, chocolate has become a universal treat that caters to everyone’s taste buds.
However, not many of us ponder over the history of chocolate and how it has evolved over the years to become the popular product we see on store shelves today.
The Discovery of the Cacao Tree
The Latin Americans are the ones we have to thank for the abundance of chocolate in the 21st century. The people of South-east Mexico discovered the cacao tree around 1000 BC, but it’s unclear if they used it for anything at that time.
Later, around 300 AD, the Mayans discovered the versatility of cacao beans, which they used to make different products.
However, the Mayans didn’t use the beans to make chocolate cakes or other delicacies as we do today.
Chocolate as a Form of Currency
The Mayans started using cacao beans as currency, trading them for animals and even slaves. It took around 100 beans to buy a slave, which led some people to create counterfeit beans.
Since chocolate was a form of currency, it was not affordable to everyone. Only the wealthy could afford to indulge in the delicacy, which was harvested, fermented, and dried.
The Mayans also used cacao beans during religious ceremonies, and even had a cacao god whom they worshipped. During weddings, the bride and groom would exchange chocolate as a symbol of love.
From Beans to Chocolate
In 1502, while loading their ship with supplies, Christopher Columbus and his team stumbled upon some cacao beans that had fallen out. Seventeen years later, Hernán Cortés tasted some of the beans while conquering Mexico, but didn’t like the taste and claimed it was better suited for pigs.
After conquering the Aztec Empire, Hernán Cortés continued using cacao beans as currency. The Spanish also owned many Caribbean islands that had sugar, which when added to cacao beans made chocolate less bitter and more desirable.
As soon as chocolate began to taste good, people all over the world wanted to try it.
By the 17th century, cacao plantations were being developed and chocolate houses were opening. Large quantities of chocolate were being shipped across the world, and it was being used not only for medicinal purposes.
Chocolate and Valentine’s Day
The association of chocolate with Valentine’s Day began in 1861 when Richard Cadbury, founder of the famous Cadbury’s chocolate company, had an idea.
He believed that by packaging a selection of small chocolates in a heart-shaped box, he could make huge profits when February 14th arrived.
This idea was a huge success, with consumers loving the concept, especially since they could eat the chocolates and then keep the beautiful red box as a keepsake!
Even today, heart-shaped boxes full of chocolates can still be found in gift shops and other stores.
FAQ
1. What is the origin of chocolate?
Chocolate has its origins in Mesoamerica, where the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations used cocoa beans in various ways, including as a currency and in religious ceremonies.
2. When did chocolate become popular in Europe?
Chocolate was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that it became popular as a drink among the aristocracy.
3. Who first added sugar to chocolate?
In the 18th century, Swiss chocolatier François-Louis Cailler added sugar to chocolate to make it more appealing to the masses.
4. When was milk chocolate invented?
Milk chocolate was invented in Switzerland in 1875 by Daniel Peter, who added condensed milk to chocolate to create a smoother, creamier texture.
5. What is the significance of Hershey’s chocolate in American history?
Hershey’s chocolate, which was founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey, played a significant role in American history by providing affordable chocolate to the masses and creating jobs during the Great Depression.
6. Who invented the chocolate bar?
The chocolate bar was invented in 1847 by British chocolatier Joseph Fry, who mixed cocoa powder with sugar and cocoa butter to create a solid, edible form of chocolate.
7. What is the difference between dark chocolate and milk chocolate?
The main difference between dark chocolate and milk chocolate is the amount of cocoa solids and milk solids in each. Dark chocolate contains more cocoa solids and less milk solids, while milk chocolate contains more milk solids and less cocoa solids.
8. What is the health benefit of chocolate?
Chocolate contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, it is important to consume chocolate in moderation due to its high calorie and sugar content.
9. What is the future of chocolate?
The future of chocolate is uncertain due to climate change, which is affecting the production of cocoa beans. However, researchers are working on ways to develop more sustainable cocoa farming practices and create new varieties of cocoa that are more resistant to climate change.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.