Chocolate: The History
5561
Food & Beverage > Gourmet
Mar 1, 2007
Jane Roseen
Chocolate: The History
A journey through the history of chocolate reveals that this mysterious food has woven its story throughout multiple cultures and continents impacting civilizations culturally, socially, economically and spiritually. A study of the history of chocolate begins by going back in time to the realm of the Maya Indians and the Olmec Civilizations of Central America. The word cacao was found in the Olmec vocabulary nearly 3,000 years ago. The hot, humid, but shady climate of the tropical rain forests of this region was perfect for growing cacao plants. The Maya felt the cacao tree was owned by the gods and the pods were offered as a gift from the gods to man. The cacao pod became the symbol of fertility and life in the Mayan culture.Later, in the 18th century, a Swedish botanist named Linnaeus, called the cacao tree theobroma cacao, which means "drink of the gods". It was the Mayan people that did indeed make a drink from the cacao pods. This drink was considered a "royal" brew enjoyed by the noblemen and kings and was often used in sacred rituals. Hot chili peppers were added to flavor it or maize was often added to change its texture.
In 1502, Columbus, on his 4th and final voyage to the Caribbean, was given a sack of cacao seeds as a form of payment. He was unsure of the worth of the seeds, so the Aztecs made him a drink from the pods to show him its potential. They felt this drink was a source of energy, spiritual wisdom, and enhanced sexual powers. They used it to fortify their warriors when in battle. Although Columbus did not personally care for it, he accepted the seeds in payment, being curious as to its value upon returning to Spain.
Years later, when Cortes arrived in the New World, he noted that the Aztecs used the cacao beans as their treasury and kept huge storehouses of the seeds. Cortes was offered a cacao plantation and a royal welcome from the Aztec ruler Montezuma, when he mistakenly thought Cortes was the reincarnation of a former god and king. This was the beginning of the downfall of the Aztec Empire, but helped Cortes realize that this crop had tremendous potential led him to establish cacao plantations throughout the Caribbean.
When Columbus and Cortes returned to Spain the bitter cacao drink of the Aztec culture was introduced to Europe and there it was sweetened to make it more in tune to the European tastes. It became a drink of the elite and wealthy. Within ten years, chocolate was enjoyed throughout the courts in the French aristocracy. Chocolate became known throughout the countries of Europe and in the middle of the 17th century chocolate appeared in England. There it was highly taxed continuing its reputation as a luxury to be enjoyed only by those privileged enough to afford it.
Cacao was primarily only for drinking until 1828. Chocolate was prepared as a drink by grinding up the beans into a thin paste and adding spices and sweetening and then adding something to soak up the cocoa butter, which would float to the surface.Coenraad J. Van Houten, a Dutch chemist in that year invented a press which would release the cocoa butter from the bean, leaving the dryer cake that could be ground up into a powder similar to the fat-free cocoa powder we enjoy today. Twenty years later European companies used the presses made by Van Houten to produce the first eating chocolate. By taking what was left after separating the cocoa powder from the butter, the industry saw that they could melt the cocoa butter and combine it with a blend of ground cacao beans and sugar, mix this into a paste and mold it. Edible chocolate was the final product. Chocolate appeared on the market in the United States around the turn of the twentieth century and now nearly one hundred years later is still in harmony with all who love it's unique, rich taste.
In 1502, Columbus, on his 4th and final voyage to the Caribbean, was given a sack of cacao seeds as a form of payment. He was unsure of the worth of the seeds, so the Aztecs made him a drink from the pods to show him its potential. They felt this drink was a source of energy, spiritual wisdom, and enhanced sexual powers. They used it to fortify their warriors when in battle. Although Columbus did not personally care for it, he accepted the seeds in payment, being curious as to its value upon returning to Spain.
Years later, when Cortes arrived in the New World, he noted that the Aztecs used the cacao beans as their treasury and kept huge storehouses of the seeds. Cortes was offered a cacao plantation and a royal welcome from the Aztec ruler Montezuma, when he mistakenly thought Cortes was the reincarnation of a former god and king. This was the beginning of the downfall of the Aztec Empire, but helped Cortes realize that this crop had tremendous potential led him to establish cacao plantations throughout the Caribbean.
When Columbus and Cortes returned to Spain the bitter cacao drink of the Aztec culture was introduced to Europe and there it was sweetened to make it more in tune to the European tastes. It became a drink of the elite and wealthy. Within ten years, chocolate was enjoyed throughout the courts in the French aristocracy. Chocolate became known throughout the countries of Europe and in the middle of the 17th century chocolate appeared in England. There it was highly taxed continuing its reputation as a luxury to be enjoyed only by those privileged enough to afford it.
Cacao was primarily only for drinking until 1828. Chocolate was prepared as a drink by grinding up the beans into a thin paste and adding spices and sweetening and then adding something to soak up the cocoa butter, which would float to the surface.Coenraad J. Van Houten, a Dutch chemist in that year invented a press which would release the cocoa butter from the bean, leaving the dryer cake that could be ground up into a powder similar to the fat-free cocoa powder we enjoy today. Twenty years later European companies used the presses made by Van Houten to produce the first eating chocolate. By taking what was left after separating the cocoa powder from the butter, the industry saw that they could melt the cocoa butter and combine it with a blend of ground cacao beans and sugar, mix this into a paste and mold it. Edible chocolate was the final product. Chocolate appeared on the market in the United States around the turn of the twentieth century and now nearly one hundred years later is still in harmony with all who love it's unique, rich taste.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets, an international gourmet chocolate shop. Harmony Sweets' mission focuses on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives, as well as corporate gift giving. Gourmet chocolate gift baskets and personalized chocolates are also available. Website: www.harmonysweets.com
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
Day is much like Independence Day in the United States - It is the celebration of a new form of government. Day symbolizes the overthrow of the old monarchy and the beginning of the French republic. The
Category:
For those outside of the Southern Hemisphere who wish to celebrate Australia Day, it can seem somewhat difficult to do so in an authentic manner. As January 26th falls during the heat of the Australian summer, people like to celebrate
Category:
This year, Moer?s Day is Sunday, May 14.And as at date fast approaches, many of us find ourselves wandering rough e pleora of gifts available for Mom, trying to find just e right gift for our special lady. Here are some great options for
Category:
The story of one man's adoration for his mom. Everyone thinks their mom is the Greatest Mom in the History of the World. When I was a child, my friends always used to try to claim that their mom was the best, and a scuffle would break out.
Category:
When thinking of Switzerland, what first comes to mind? Okay, besides yodeling (read about the history of yodeling or
Category:
Not everyone has the luxury to travel to France for Bastille Day, but that doesn?t mean you can?t celebrate the French version of Independence Day
Category:
Chinese Valentine?s Day is on the Seventh Day of the Seventh Month on the Chinese calendar, which falls on August 4th this year. Legend has it that the seventh daughter of the Emperor of Heaven, a aving maid, fell in love and married a cowherd. They
Category:
Can't make it to Munich, Germany, to the official Oktoberfest? Why not check out one of the many other Oktoberfests celebrated around the world. The largest Oktoberfest outside Germany is held in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, around the time of Canadian
Category:
Spring has arrived, and it?s time to plan that ever-popular Spring Vacation. But where to go? Florida?s always packed to the gills, many of the Caribbean islands can be dicey politically, and Cancun is still in recovery mode after Hurricane Wilma. This
Category:
When the holidays come around, it always seems as if there are treats galore! The stores quickly fill up with egg nog, wasail ingredients, and chocolate shaped into just about every shape imaginable. But this year, how about looking at the more
Category:
When Australia Day comes each January 26th, it brings with it a celebration of all things Australian. This celebration has greatly evolved over time, changing both its name and its content to reflect modern Australians and their pride in their country.
Category:
In honor of St. Patrick?s Day, our travel destination of the month is to be Ireland. This idyllic isle off the coast of Britain is known for its rolling green hills, friendly faces, and rich history. Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is
Category:
My gandpaents migated fom Gemany long befoe I was even a twinkle in my fathe?s eye. My fathe was two at the time and doesn?t emembe much of his life in Gemany. My gandmothe, though, has always stayed in touch with he bothes and sistes
Category:
Emily was our honeymoon baby. Even more appropriate, she was born on Valentine?s Day itself. Our families teased us mercilessly?not only were we the ?perfect couple,? but we became pregnant immediately to a baby born on Valentine?s Day. It seemed to be
Category:
A journey through the history of chocolate reveals that this mysterious food has woven its story throughout multiple cultures and continents impacting civilizations culturally, socially, economically and spiritually. A study of the history of chocolate
Category:
S. Parick?s Day has become a celebraion of all hings Irish. Mos public celebraions include quie large quaniies of alcohol. Many families serve corned beef, cabbage, and min chocolae pies every year on March 17h. And some ciies like Chicago
Category:
As spring reaches those of us in the Northern hemisphere, the world is beginning anew. The spring rains are bringing forth new growth all around us, and the temperature is finally creeping warmer virtually every day. It?s no wonder, then, that Spring is
Category:
Truffles are well-known as some of the most delectable chocolate treats available. But they are such a delicacy that they were shrouded in mystery for many years. These tempting treats are exquisite in variety of both taste and settings in which to
Category:
November has come, and the Halloween decorations are being packed away. Now comes the big social months of the year. That?s right, it?s time to plan for the holidays already. But if u prepare now, before the holidays are right upon us, u will save
Category:
The first Oktoberfest was held on Ocotber 12, 1810, in Munich to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and princess Maria Teresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen on what was to become known as Theresienwieses - Theresa's fields. In subsequent
Category:
Other links at Food & Beverage > Gourmet
Although gastronomy has always been deeply rooted in Lime?os' idiosyncrasy, the last few years have en a huge leap in Lima's dining scene. Not only Peru's capital has become tapped with restaurants, both stylish and unpretentious, but many of them
Category:
It has been said by many pet food becomes tastier under cold weather conditions. If this is true, then the most delicious bit dishes can surely be found in Chicago, dubbed as the Windy City.
Category:
Lovers of fresh food will enjoy the markets that exist in Paris where you are able to walk around and rub elbows with the locals as you experience the thrill of the outdoor markets and enjoy the taste of the fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables and
Category:
Detailed descriptions of the six AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controlee) goat's cheeses to sample during a holiday in the beautiful Loire Valley around Blois and Tours.
Category:
Truffles are well-known as some of the most delectable chocolate treats available. But they are such a delicacy that they were shrouded in mystery for many years. These tempting treats are exquisite in variety of both taste and settings in which to
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68222
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
