History of Chocolate - the Power of the Bean - the Passion of the Drink

By: Joseph Cobb
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:18:03
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

The history of chocolate is a intricate one spanning back to the days of the Aztec. They associated chocolate with their goddess of fertility Xochiquetzal. It was consumed as a drink called xocoatl, which was often seasoned with vanilla, chili pepper, and pimento. It was believed that this drink combated fatigue, a belief believed to be attributed to the theobromine content that is found in chocolate. Chocolate was considered a luxury though out Mesoamerica, so much so that the cacao beans were often used as currency. The taste itself, at this time, had to be acquired. It bore no resemblance to the chocolate we know and love today. Jose de Acosta, a Spanish Jesuit missionary who lived in Peru and then Mexico in the later 16th century, wrote:

“Loathsome to such as are not acquainted with it, having a scum or froth that is very unpleasant to taste. Yet it is a drink very much esteemed among the Indians, where with they feast noble men who pass through their country. The Spaniards, both men and women, that are accustomed to the country, are very greedy of this Chocolate. They say they make diverse sorts of it, some hot, some cold, and some temperate, and put therein much of that "chili" yea, they make paste thereof, the which they say is good for the stomach and against the catarrh.”

The first hints of chocolate were never known in the “old world” of Europe until when Christopher Columbus returned from his trip. He brought with him a few of the cacao beans to present to the king and queen of Spain. They were not met with much excitement because well, they were just beans.

It was not until around 1519 when the Spaniards and Cortez were first introduce to the drink xocoatl that any true use was found for chocolate beans. The drink itself was very bitter in nature, so the Spaniards had the idea to add sugar-cane to sweeten it. They brought this back to their country, where it underwent many changes, and was eventually received quite well.

Over time the chocolate making process went from small shops where it was made by hand to bigger mass production. With the advent of the steam engine, the process of making chocolate was improved drastically. Because of this, in around 1730, prices soon dropped to within the reach of everyone, and was not limited to the wealthy anymore. The invention of the cocoa press in 1828 brought prices down even further, while improving the quality of the drink.

Two big advancements in chocolate came in the 19th century. In 1847 an English company introduced the first solid eating chocolate. This was made possible through the development of fondant chocolate, a smooth and velvety variety that has almost completely replaced the old coarse grained chocolate which formerly dominated the world market. The second advancement was in 1876 in Vevey, Switzerland, when Daniel Peter devised a way of adding milk to the chocolate, creating the product we enjoy today known as milk chocolate.

Joe Cobb
website: http://www.Forever-Chocolates.com
October 16, 2006

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Chocolate category

  • Indulge in Gourmet Chocolates - By: Crizza Reyes
    Chocolate is the voice of passion and love, whether it is the love of chocolate itself or as an expression of love for another human being. The way its texture feels in your mouth as it melts is very satisfying and its richness takes this pleasure to a whole new level.
  • Cocoa Beans and the Fierce Competition in the Chocolate Industry - By: Cristian Stan
    Chocolates are always referred to as feel-good foods. They are the simple luxuries of life. However, making chocolates is never simple - especially not with the fierce competition perceived in the chocolate industry these days.
  • Celebrate with custom chocolate coins - By: Ajay Shringi
    Chocolate - ah, the rich, seductive swirl of thick, creamy chocolate melting at the tip of your tongue sends all your senses into a tizzy of pleasure. Every time you bite into a piece of chocolate, whether it is white, brown or even bitter chocolate, you cannot help but heave a sigh of pure, undiluted pleasure. This is the reason why more and more people are celebrating with chocolate favors.
  • Custom chocolate cigars make the perfect gift - By: Ajay Shringi
    This year, why not floor your competition with a gift that they will never forget? Delicious, personalized chocolate cigars carrying a heartfelt personal message will leave an impression that won't go away in a hurry.
  • Cocoa Commodity Prices are affected by the US Economy - By: Cristian Stan
    With the recent slump in the U.S. economy, cocoa manufacturers have experienced a downfall in their commodity pricing. The U.S. is one of the biggest consumers of cocoa, as it is the main ingredient of chocolate and chocolate drinks. The slowdown in the U.S. economy had triggered a not-so good effect in the cocoa industry all over the world.
  • Cocoa Beans are the Super Food of the Future - By: Cristian Stan
    Super foods are defined as food items that can ward off diseases like cancer, heart ailments, cholesterol, and a whole list of others. These foods have high phytonutrient content that can only be good for your health. Any food containing significant amounts of vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fibers, minerals, and enzymes can be regarded as a super food.
  • Services provided with chocolate fountain - By: Awais Ashraf
    Since previous twenty years one of the most remarkable unmatched and fun inclusions to weddings, birthday parties and other occasions is chocolate fountain. A chocolate fountain has turned into one of the most preferable and ideal appendage for parties having a factor of joy and amazement for the crowd.
  • Hand Made Chocolates and Flowers - By: Timothy Spencer
    A bouquet of flowers always comes best with a box of chocolates. However, there are no more special than hand-made Belgian chocolates with that bunch of fresh flowers. This article explains how a box of Belgian hand-made chocolates is the best from other kinds of chocolates you can find from the nearest supermarket.
  • Sweeten Your Wedding Day - By: Promila Saini
    Traditionally, wedding days are filled with flowers and laces, yes, that could still work but where's the uniqueness and "one of a kind" concept that you are looking for? Instead of settling to the use of flowers and laces, why not try chocolates and sweets?
  • Chocolate T-shirts and Gifts: Show Your Love - By: Ruth Lanham
    One of those things that you love that you can express with a t-shirt is chocolate. It's not secret that many people love chocolate and feel like they can't live without. Chocolate is a food that people have been obsessed about for a long time and have no problem telling others how much they love it.