The History of Chocolate
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| The History of Chocolate |
The History of Chocolate - The history of chocolate begins with the history of the Aztecs. Their diet was primarily composed of a bitter liquid called cacao. Cacao is the dark red liquid that is formed when the beans of the cocoa tree are cut down. The Aztecs ate the fruit of the trees, which resulted in the first chocolate drink that we know today. The history of chocolate can be traced all the way back to the very beginning of recorded history.
The history of chocolate begins with the history of chocolate and cacao beans. They were sought after by Europeans for their use as an agent for slowing down the aging process. Cocoa beans were worn around the head as a kind of hat to keep the sun out of the eyes. The history of chocolate and its importance to the Aztec people can also be traced to the history of the English.
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Christopher Columbus discovered the richness of the South American continent when he landed on its shores in 1514. He took five months to travel across it, landing in the gold mining regions of Peru. While exploring the country, he learned that the people there made a type of food that was very similar to chocolate, called pan de aguas, or golden bread.
The new name for this food was chocolat. Soon after this new discovery, the Spanish government took control of the area and prohibited its production. This was because they did not believe that the beverage was truly from the Americas. In order to keep their citizens from using the new word chocolat, the Spanish government began to produce a type of wine from the cacao bean. This beverage was called chocolates, which stuck. It was a sweetened beverage made with real cocoa beans.
Over the years, different varieties of this drink began to enter the world. Today, chocolates are produced with various varieties of beans including, Belgian, Brazilian, Colombian, Chinese, Hawaiian, Italian, Korean, and Swiss. Cocoa beans are also used in making chocolate bars. Today there are a wide variety of milk chocolate bars as well as dark chocolate bars, which have more of a nutty taste to them.
The history of chocolate production in the Old World continues today in America. In the United States, chocolate is grown and harvested in states like Texas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Florida. Most of the chocolate that is produced in the United States comes from the four New England states, as well as Maine, Oregon, and Hawaii. Florida is the largest producer of this product in the United States. Some of the large companies that produce this product include Hershey's, Nutty Company, and Gevalia.
As well as cacao beans being used in the manufacturing of chocolate, sugar is used. Between 1490 and 1530, Christopher Columbus brought with him raw cacao beans and sugar. With this new found wealth, Christopher Columbus was able to spread the knowledge of chocolate making to the new world, paving the way for chocolate's development in places like Mexico and Peru.
Today, chocolate is enjoyed around the world. The history of chocolate and how it has developed over time can be traced through various cultures of South America. The history of chocolate is fascinating to say the least. Next time you head to your local supermarket, try some chocolate and get to know the history of chocolate.
The Mayans were the first culture to make chocolate. They would grind cacao beans, add water, and then boil the resulting liquid in a pot over a fire. When the liquid reached a boiling point, it may have had chocolates mixed into it. It is also believed that the Mayans may have baked the chocolate into pastries or eaten it on fruit dipped in powdered sugar. The history of chocolate making may have continued into other regions of South America, but the Mayans left a significant mark on chocolate making.
Speaking of other cultures, the Aztecs of Central Mexico discovered chocolate when they travelled through the land. The Aztecs were far from the technologically advanced society of the early Europeans, so they would make do with whatever they could find on their travels. Along with their chocolate, they might have made a type of salt called gouache, as well as plant seeds from certain trees. The history of chocolate in Mexico may have begun with these humble beginnings.
The Aztecs may have become addicted to chocolate, because they used it for healing and spiritual reasons as well. Aztec toothpicks are pointed sticks of dried chili peppers (called hellebores by the Aztecs) which are used to relieve toothaches, and also to promote healing of internal organs, according to the myth. The legend says that Aztec women were given the gift of chocolate by the god of love, Ingermanotl. Chocolate is not only a delicious treat; it is also an important staple of many cultures around the world. The history of chocolate continues today, as scientists continue to unravel the chemical properties of this remarkable substance.