Historia del chocolate

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visitavallartamexico.com History Of Chocolate Cocktails High-class parties have to have two things to be called such: alcohol & chocolate. There is nothing better than a sip of cocktail to calm your nerves when you need them, especially after a long week of hard and exhausting work. Then ultimately concluding it off with a delightful bite of your most loved and favorite chocolates that have made a name throughout the entire chocolate history. But first, it would be even more delightful to find out how chocolate cocktails really started in the first place! Chocolates, a Commodity Exclusive to Nobility As we know, chocolates started as a commodity restricted to the noblest of people. Chocolates in the earlier times were used as presents to give away during formal and serious engagements, especially when there are royalty figures participating in the event. Chocolates, on another angle, were considered an element that would promote love, passion and romance. And for a reason, chocolate drinks were made available to the mediocre as well. Restrictions and exclusivity of chocolates to nobility gas been lifted and therefore, stores opening up everywhere to offer the enjoyably luscious chocolate drink we love today! Chocolate Drink's Journey to Spain The chocolate or cocktail drink continued to develop in Spain. More than a few other flavor ingredients such as vanilla or cinnamon were eventually added to the chocolate beverage to improve its flavor. And because of the popularity of the chocolate drink, it motivated the Spaniards to plant several more of their cocoa trees and even kept the recipe a sweet hush-hush for a long time. However, as any excellent food, the recipe reached the other parts of the world including Europe and became a well- loved favorite satisfying drink! The Magical Blend of Chocolates and Alcohol For many people, eating chocolates has an effect of calming their spirits and you will notice how energized you will feel for next week or the rest of the week. Can you ever imagine how delicious a drink it will be to combine these two ingredients, alcohol and chocolates, to make a great cocktail drink? There are countless chocolate cocktail recipes you will surely love once you taste them, and for sure they are cocktails you will undoubtedly be proud of to serve on your party tables! The Beginning of a Chocolate Cocktail Party Now that we know how the early peoples of civilization started concocting mouth-watering chocolate cocktails, it is high-time we discover where and how chocolate cocktail parties all began! Etiquette says that party hosts should always keep a cocktail party brief and sweetie. It should only be about two hour tete-a-tete to catch up with peers, reconnect and celebrate with. Always go for the classic cocktail party when you are planning of setting up one. And you better make sure that you will never ever be oblivious to the best cocktail Martini, what with its sophisticated taste on the palates. Partying on a Martini Night You may even call it a "Martini Night" and set up your own Martini Bar serving chocolates, canapÈs, black olives, and some cheese bits. While others get too concerned about finding costumes for a chocolate cocktail party, others are too pre-occupied with concocting up cocktail drinks on their own in the cocktail mini bars and mixing up vodka with vanilla and chocolate. Hmm, how I wish I could get a shot of the Russian Vodka I loved in my younger years, the Stolichnaya, and mixing it up with vanilla

Transcript of Historia del chocolate

Page 1: Historia del chocolate

visitavallartamexico.comHistory Of Chocolate Cocktails

High-class parties have to have two things to be called such: alcohol & chocolate. There is nothing better than a sip of cocktail to calm your nerves when you need them, especially after a long week of hard and exhausting work. Then ultimately concluding it off with a delightful bite of your most loved and favorite chocolates that have made a name throughout the entire chocolate history. But first, it would be even more delightful to find out how chocolate cocktails really started in the first place!

Chocolates, a Commodity Exclusive to Nobility

As we know, chocolates started as a commodity restricted to the noblest of people. Chocolates in the earlier times were used as presents to give away during formal and serious engagements, especially when there are royalty figures participating in the event. Chocolates, on another angle, were considered an element that would promote love, passion and romance. And for a reason, chocolate drinks were made available to the mediocre as well. Restrictions and exclusivity of chocolates to nobility gas been lifted and therefore, stores opening up everywhere to offer the enjoyably luscious chocolate drink we love today!

Chocolate Drink's Journey to Spain

The chocolate or cocktail drink continued to develop in Spain. More than a few other flavor ingredients such as vanilla or cinnamon were eventually added to the chocolate beverage to improve its flavor. And because of the popularity of the chocolate drink, it motivated the Spaniards to plant several more of their cocoa trees and even kept the recipe a sweet hush-hush for a long time. However, as any excellent food, the recipe reached the other parts of the world including Europe and became a well-loved favorite satisfying drink!

The Magical Blend of Chocolates and Alcohol

For many people, eating chocolates has an effect of calming their spirits and you will notice how energized you will feel for next week or the rest of the week. Can you ever imagine how delicious a drink it will be to combine these two ingredients, alcohol and chocolates, to make a great cocktail drink? There are countless chocolate cocktail recipes you will surely love once you taste them, and for sure they are cocktails you will undoubtedly be proud of to serve on your party tables!

The Beginning of a Chocolate Cocktail PartyNow that we know how the early peoples of civilization started concocting mouth-watering chocolate cocktails, it is high-time we discover where and how chocolate cocktail parties all began! Etiquette says that party hosts should always keep a cocktail party brief and sweetie. It should only be about two hour tete-a-tete to catch up with peers, reconnect and celebrate with. Always go for the classic cocktail party when you are planning of setting up one. And you better make sure that you will never ever be oblivious to the best cocktail Martini, what with its sophisticated taste on the palates.

Partying on a Martini NightYou may even call it a "Martini Night" and set up your own Martini Bar serving chocolates, canapÈs, black olives, and some cheese bits. While others get too concerned about finding costumes for a chocolate cocktail party, others are too pre-occupied with concocting up cocktail drinks on their own in the cocktail mini bars and mixing up vodka with vanilla and chocolate. Hmm, how I wish I could get a shot of the Russian Vodka I loved in my younger years, the Stolichnaya, and mixing it up with vanilla

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and chocolate. I bet it is going to be even much better than Bailey's. Really, chocolate's history will never be complete without a chocolate cocktail party! Anyone giving out a chocolate cocktail party tonight?

History Of Chocolate Recipes To Keep You Warm

There is nothing else that will surely perk you up on a cold and rainy day than a cup of hot and creamy chocolate drink. Thanks to the Aztecs who discovered and gave us this wonderful gift of sweet delicacies that we just love! The Aztecs, during the earlier times of chocolate history, believed that consuming large amounts of chocolate would bring one's health and power. That is why they did not only call it in "energy drink" but a very strongly defined "divine drink".

Chocolate Drink Shops Growing Like Mushrooms

And I believe this still holds true until today. No wonder hot chocolate recipes have popped up everywhere, every chocolate shop claiming to have the best chocolate drink ever! But that is highly expected since they must be chocolates experts to be putting up a chocolate shop, in the first place! Home made hot chocolates are most intriguing, though. For how do you turn a simple chocolate drink into something sumptuous, tempting and tantalizing?

Another natural chemical of chocolates that is responsible for that rushing feeling and tingly sensation of homey goodness began many years ago just like a cup of chocolate drink. They started out liquid, would you believe? Now, here are some hot chocolate drink recipes that you may want to try at home for you and your loved ones to enjoy!

However, let us clarify something first. You must know that there is a very huge difference in ordering for hot chocolate and hot cocoa in your favourite local chocolate shops. The chocolate you drink is made out of pure chocolate compound while the cocoa drink you order is prepared using cocoa powder and mixing it with water. An expert would know right away even if blindfolded which drink is served to him, by merely smelling. Indulge in these recipes below and you will surely be delighted and satisfied with the warm and fulfilling sensation these concoctions will give you!

Warming Chocolate Recipes for the Sweet-Tooth's

If you are born a sweet tooth, then you will surely adore this warm Coconut Hot Chocolate drink! Instead of putting milk on your warm chocolate drink, you can put coconut milk instead. Nothing could taste better than this. It actually tastes like chocolate daiquiri!

Chile Hot Chocolate BeverageBut if you are fonder of eating spicy food and drinking spiced-up beverages than drinking and eating sweets, well, the Chile Hot Chocolate beverage is the right warm chocolate beverage for you! Just add up a little of cayenne, about half a teaspoon, to get the kind of kick in the taste you want. Rest assured the spice will never overpower the sweet taste of the chocolate giving you that tangy and delightfully sweet flavour till the last drop!

Double Anise Hot Chocolate Drink

Or you can also try the Double Anise Hot Chocolate if you still want to keep that spicy tang on your drink! Don't get surprised though if you get too buffed up about it, everyone else who tried this warm chocolate drink got addicted and never got off the hook! The sweetness of the licorice combined with the bitter taste of star anise is actually the culprit why so many fall into the pit of addiction to this drink!

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Peppermint Hot Chocolate Drink

For those who like their chocolate drink minty, get a hold of the Peppermint Hot Chocolate drink where chocolate is blended with compressed peppermint candies for the holiday seasons!

Caramel Hot Chocolate Drink

And last of all, for kids who just adore chocolate drinks, energy drinks, as they call them.

Let them try the delightfully sweet Caramel Hot Chocolate drink. This caramel hot chocolate drink is a must for everyone who wants to feel like a kid once again! Because these heart-warming chocolate drinks just taste so great, they will undoubtedly leave an sweet indelible etch on the history of chocolates!

History of the Loved Chocolates

Who would ever think we have an ongoing recession today, what with the volume of people buying loads of chocolates in the local grocery stores, chocolate shops and the shopping malls? Yes, a 2011 sales projection for American chocolates had been released and it amounted to a total of about $18 million. It seems that the plunging market has not even affected a single bit the craving of consumers when it comes to these delicate sweets. History of chocolates has always been documented from its very beginnings until present times. And until today, the popularity of these famous sweets called chocolates has never waned nor questioned. Truth is, if my logic will serve me right, people are now finding more ways to develop the use of chocolates, other than merely satisfying themselves with these wonderfully tempting sweets of delight!

Food for the Gods

Chocolates were said to have originated from the Amazon were the first cocoas were discovered in 2000 BC. Largely used by the Maya Culture, the word chocolate came from xocoatl meaning bitter water. The Mayas love for cocoa was imprinted in history thru the wood carvings discovered dating all the way back to about 300AD, showing pictures of cocoa pods. The Mayan territory expanded in 600AD and they took their cocoa with them to the northern parts of South America until their wanderings took them to the Guatemalan shores. This area became birthing soil to large cocoa plantations where the pods are often presented as holy matters in rituals. They believe cocoa to be food exclusive for the consumption of gods.

Dark Waters in Gold Goblets

The hot chocolate drink was considered in the earlier times as a dark drink that is sweet to the palate. They were regarded by both Aztecs and Mayans as a real health-energizing drink and even used it for several therapeutic purposes. They also believed that drinking the dark juice or eating the fruits would bring them wisdom. Even then, the natives believed in the chocolateís nutritious benefits. The influential and privileged quenched their thirst with several gallons of dark chocolate dyed in red. Those were served in gold goblets.

In Exchange of Cocoa Beans

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Because of chocolatesí fame and significance, the cocoa beans were even used as a form of payment among Mayans and Aztecs. The early peoples used these cocoa beans to sell or trade and buy commodities during the earlier times. In 1492, Columbus presented King Ferdinand and his Queen with cocoas upon his return but very little attention was given to them and even on his journey in search for spices in India, Columbus didnít realize the great potential of the chocolate. Otherwise, he could have been the one who discovered and proclaimed the enormous potential of such sweets.

And with this, more and more people have begun using the sweet chocolates as an important currency signifying wealth depending on the vastness of plantations owned. In fact, an explorer by the name of Hernando de Oviedo y Valdez claimed to have bought slaves and prostitutes using cocoa pods.

And in 1519, some parts of Mexico were eventually conquered by Hernando Cortez mainly because he was so fascinated by xocolat more for its currency value than its taste. At that time, the taste of the chocolates was a little bit bitter sweet and spicy. Leaning further that cultivating the cocoa tree is obviously a great business, he established multiple plantations thereby cultivating money for Spain.

The Journey of Chocolates

And regardless of the controversies, it is interesting to know how the history of chocolates has prevailed, and how chocolates have struggled and captured the hearts of mankind today. Chocolates are made from the mature seed pods of the cacao tree which are then soured for several days to make the ChocÛ tang evident. Thanks to these cacao tree pods, if not for them we would not have discovered the wonderful gift of chocolates!

Looking Back at Chocolate History during the 18th Century

The chocolate drink was luxurious, classy and exclusive to noble men; thereby, has really made its way to being a popular treat in the elite class. The 18th century made out the commercialization of the popular chocolate drink and the costs of such chocolates began to plunge in Bristol in England.

The First Chocolate Factory Built in 1728

It was in 1728 that Fry set up the first ever commercial chocolate factory recognized and respected in New England. A labor-intensive work force has been the main inventor of chocolates until the Industrial Revolution arrived. It was almost at this point when accumulated manufacture of chocolates began with the innovation of the well-acclaimed cocoa press which made the pulverizing of beans much faster, simpler and more enhanced.

Chocolate Improvements during the 1800s

Also it was during the 1800s that several improvements were made to give chocolates better and better taste as well as texture and appearance. Chocolates in solid form, that is the bars we know today, was born and milk was added to make chocolate creamier, the milk chocolates that we just canít resist to nibble! This is how the journey of these sweet delectable chocolates started, leading to innovations of the more popular chocolate bars and delectable milk chocolates.

Chocolate Innovations through the Years

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Novel people, who have so much love and passion in improving chocolates, have concocted more and more of chocolate variations, coming out up with the good old chocolate bars we have known as a child and love as adults. Until today, chocolates seize several special kinds, shapes, flavors and sizes.

Chocolates Not Bar-Bound nor Drink-Bound Anymore

And modern times had it that chocolates were not merely used as a flavor, no longer confining chocolates to just the usual chocolate bars or chocolate drinks available in the local grocery stores or chocolate shops. Nowadays, there is an endless selection of products with chocolates such as ice creams with a wide assortment of chocolate flavors, cakes as well as candies.

Chocolate Industry Getting Bigger and Bigger

It is good to know that chocolate have become truly one of the biggest manufacturing industries in the consumer and corporate global world that we currently enjoy as of now. The chocolate industry has already established a constant market that doesnít choose any age. Now that you are knowledgeable about the history of chocolates, maybe next time you take hold of a bar of chocolate or drink a cup of chocolate beverage, you will feel more satisfied to know that the chocolates you are enjoying at present were once limited to the nobilities and royalties alone!

Discovery of Solid Chocolates

The breakthrough of the well-known solid dice of chocolates is not very, very old. It was an English company in 1847 that was fortunate enough to get accredited with the production of fondant chocolates using some smooth and velvety appearing chocolates.

Full-Grown Manufacture of Chocolates

However, the full-grown manufacture of chocolates can be traced back to 1765 in New England when during that time; it was the grained chocolates that dominated the chocolate world market. One noteworthy improvement happened in Vevey in Switzerland in the year 1876. It was when Daniel Peter, a natural Swiss discovered a brilliant way of how to add milk to some chocolates. Thanks to Daniel peter, he has concocted the basic version of todayís well-liked milk chocolate that I personally, love and enjoy so much!

Our Favorite Chocolatesí History

Chocolates, those sweet chocolates we were so crazy about as a child, and are crazy about until now, seemed to be staying with us as we grow old. The history of chocolates would tell us that these chocolates have always been there all our lives that is why we can probably name about 20 or more brands or kinds of chocolates in a matter of minutes. We may run out of names of chocolates we know, but the glorious taste that these chocolates give us will linger on.

Just about anyone whoís ever been a child knows what that dark, melts-in-your-mouth goodness tastes like. They came in different colors, in bags, in boxes, with nuts and shells and marshmallows and creams. They are molded practically into any shape you can just imagine. It is just about time we go down the memory lane and retrace our steps leading us to our top 5 brands of chocolates in the entire history of such delicacy sweets.

Mars

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The company that brought us the well-loved Milky Way and the now more popular candy bar, Snickers was established in 1911 by Frank C. Mars whose love for cooking chocolates stemmed from his motherís hand dipped candies he sold when he was 19. His initial venture failed but with the help of his son, Forrest Mars, and the ingenious Milky Way, introduced as ìChocolate Malted Milk in a Candy Bar, Mars, Incorporated became one of the top-selling candy companies that time.

To this day, Mars, Inc. remains to be a family-owned business and is famous for being very private in their business and personal affairs. M&Mís, Milky Way, Twix, Maltesers, Snickers, Skittles, 3 Musketeers, Combos, Galaxy and Summit Candy bar are just some of the popular chocolates that Mars, Inc. has introduced to chocolate lovers all over the world.

Lindt Sprungli AG

The Lindt Chocolatier is known for Lindor, a chocolate with smooth filling that comes in a bar or balls introduce in 1955. Despite the seemingly young popularity of the Lindor, this company has been around since 1845. The father and son tandem of David Spr¸ngli-Schwarz and Rudolf Spr¸ngli-Ammann established a tiny confectionary store in Zurich. They eventually built a factory of hard chocolates.

Due to the financial crisis, company decided to close about 65% of its stores in the United States on March 17, 2009. Today, they factories in Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the United States.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company

The second oldest manufacturer of chocolates in the United States was born in 1817 through the efforts of Domenico Ghirardelli. His humble beginnings saw Uruguay and later Lima, Peru where he opened a confectionary store. It was only in 1849 when he moved to California and sold confections to miners. After only a few years the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was incorporated in 1852. His empire grew in San Francisco until they moved to San Leandro in 1965.

On the other hand, it was in 1998 that Lindt Sprugli AG acquired the company while maintaining its full subsidiary status. Until now, millions of people all over the world are still so passionate about eating the Lindt chocolates, the kind of chocolate that when you put in your mouth, it melts and the sweet taste lingers. That is how I remember eating Lindt chocolates even when I was still a child. That first bite you will never forget! Really the history of chocolates has its own way of etching memories on our minds!

The History Of Chocolates And Dieting

Looking at the history of chocolates, countless people would look at chocolate as a delectably and irresistible sweet dessert invented during the modern times. But they are all wrong! It was actually during the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations where they started using bitter or dark chocolate drinks in some of their religious formal procedures and ceremonies as well some social events and settings. And since that time, there have been several significant chocolate inventions to make the chocolates we love even get better and better in the wonderful world of chocolate making!

Chocolates All the Way from History to Dieting

Now, looking from the history of chocolates to the various uses of chocolates nowadays, we could see how far chocolates have successfully journeyed on Earth. Tell me, would you ever believe if I tell you

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that no ìone chocolate dietî exists anywhere in this world? However, there are quite a lot of unusual diets where they recommend using chocolate as a helpful supplement to lose weight! If this sounds too good to be true, it is because you can't just simply shovel back 3 candy bars everyday and call it a diet! No, the technique is to concoct your own special chocolate diet or diets by integrating small amounts of dark chocolate and cocoa with healthy, low-fat meals.

Remembering Matilda

I remember the day my friend came over while I was whipping up a batch of my grandmotherís homemade brownies. I could already hear her voice from the porch, but when she got into the kitchen and saw what I was doing, she left without saying goodbye. I was baffled! After many years of friendship, sheís never done anything like that to me, so I dialed her number and forced the answer from her. Apparently, she was going to be maid of honor on one of her cousinsí wedding and she figured she needed to lose a little extra pounds. When she found me cooking my grand mamaís chocolate brownie recipe, she knew she wouldnít be able to resist some if she had stayed.

Dieting for Health ReasonsPoor, Matilda. Men and women like her endure this excruciating sacrifice of not eating what they want just to look good. Given that it is great for health reasons, but does someone really have to suffer that much? I decided to rummage through chocolate recipes to find ones that will not tip the weighing scale over and make dieters run for their lives like this one great recipe hat made a mark in the history of chocolates, and that I will share with you.

Chocolate Raspberry Brownies

Ingredients1/4 cup sugar free raspberry preserves (or apricot, or cherry)3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/4 tsp. of almond extract1/2 tsp. of baking soda1/2 tsp. of salt 1 cup of high gluten flour1 cup Splenda1 tsp. of vanilla6 eggs

InstructionsSet oven to 325F Grease a 9x13 inch pan and set asideCombine cocoa and Splenda Add preserves and eggs gradually, beating on low-speed with electric mixerAdd salt, almond extract, and vanilla and beat briefly to mixCombine baking soda and flour. Use a spatula to stir them together Do not over mixTurn into prepared panBake at 325F for 30-35 minutesBrownies should be slightly under-baked but not runny in the centerLet it cool and cut into small squares

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The History of Chocolates

It is believed that the Aztecs were the first ones to have grown the cocoa crops the entire history of chocolates. And that they turned out to be the chocolates we love and just canít resist until now! They began using these cocoa beans using a very distinct way of preparation which they called Chocolat. These cocoa beans together with many treasures triggered the curiosity of the people; however, the cocoa beans that appeared like almonds did not even stir any interest among the early peoples. Now, these cocoa beans are our main source of the chocolates and cocoas we enjoy today!

Prominent Characters in the History of Chocolates

History would tell us a story about a myth that everyone knows. It is about an emperor who drank 50 or more servings of the bitter sweet Chocolat each day and became so strong and energetic as well as a very happy man! Another written proof of chocolates would also lead us to the times of Columbus, saying that Isabella from Spain had their first glance of chocolates when Columbus returned from the Americas and gave her presents of brown delicious chocolates.

Chocolates Through the Mayan Civilization of Yucatan

Another proof of the existence and history of chocolates is the story of chocolates during the historical times when it was said that chocolates originate from the Mayan civilization of Yucatan. Information points to cacao trees as the real source of chocolates we just adore. They are believed to have been discovered 2,000 years ago by the early peoples who were at that time in the tropical rainforests of the Americas.

Introduction of Cocoa Beans to Europe

It is common knowledge to all that Don Cortez documented the profit-making value of cocoa as a mouth-watering drink. Cortez was the one who introduced the cocoa beans to the whole of Europe. And the Europeans have eventually discovered how to make the best concoctions ever using chocolates! Europe enjoyed Cortezí concoction of chocolates sweetened with natural cane sugar.

Linnaeusí Contribution to the History of Chocolates

Linnaeus was a botanist from Sweden who in his own time, was also recognized for having grown acres of plantations of cocoa. He named the genus of the cocoa plant, the ìobromaî which means food for the gods. Linnaeus shared the same advocacy as the Aztecs of Mexico in believing the mystical origin of the cocoa tree.

Cocoa Drink in Spain Recognized

The Spaniards, on the other hand, did not find the bittersweet version of Chocolat tasteful enough for their palates. And so what the Spaniards did was to sweeten the chocolate drink using cane sugar. This recognition of the cocoa drink in Spain eventually led to its secret crop growing and groundwork. And this led to further historical evidences pointing at the Spaniards as a great contributor of the cocoa in an isolated area in Trinidad. The Spaniards grew such cocoa crops in an effort to keep it a secret from the rest of the world.

Cocoa Growing in Spain Kept A Top Secret

The Spaniards then later continued growing cocoa in the Western Indies and also in Philippines. Really, isnít it so interesting to discover that Spain kept the art of the cocoa cultivation a total top

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secret from the rest of Europe for about a hundred years! Then, of course, eventually popularity of the said chocolate drink immediately reached the corners of Italy, France and some other parts of Holland until it finally reached England during the1600s and became an integral part of the successful history of chocolates!

The Origin of Happy Hormones: What is the History of Chocolate?

Chocolates, chocolates, chocolates! Delicious, delectable, sweet, bitter, nutty, creamy, soothing, calming... how else can we describe chocolate? Who wouldnít love these sweet confections?! Chocolates are easily accessible at any grocery stores world wide. People of all ages and gender definitely love chocolates. Not only is it delectable, it also has its share of health benefits for its patrons. But do you know where that bar of chocolate or that cup of chocolate drink came from? Here is something that can let you catch a glimpse of chocolateís history.

Remnants of Chocolates Found in Mexico

History knew the existence of chocolate due to the remnants found in some jars in Mexico. This dates back to as far as 1100 B.C. It wasnít a bar then as we know it now. The ancients used chocolate as alcoholic beverage to combat fatigue. Yes, very different from what we know chocolate to be is now.

In the latter part of chocolate history, cocoa beans from cacao plant were introduced by Christopher Columbus to the King of Spain. Decades after, Aztec Indians were found to use these cocoa beans in making chocolatlóa drink being served to guests of the King in ceremonial glasses. Chocolatl, at this point, was treated as a divine drink. It is also seen to fight fatigue. It used to be bitter and later on honey and cane sugar was added to sweeten it.

Chocolate Drink Evolved in Spain

The drink continued to evolve in Spain. Several other spices such as vanilla or cinnamon were added to improve its flavor. The popularity of the drink motivated the Spaniards to plant cocoa trees and kept the recipe a secret for a long time. However, as any good food, the recipe eventually became known to other parts of Europe.

Chocolate, at first, was restricted to the noble people. It was even used as an engagement present to some royalty figures. Chocolate was seen to promote romance. Eventually, the drink was no longer restricted to a few. Stores were opened that offered drinks to the public.

The Very First Chocolate Factory

The first Chocolate Factory was hailed in New England. Manual labor has been the main creator of chocolate until the Industrial Revolution came. It was not far from this point when mass production of chocolate began with the invention of the cocoa press that made the grinding of beans faster, easier and more improved.

In the 1800s several improvements made chocolate better and betteróchocolate in solid form was born and milk was added to make chocolate creamier. This was the start of the more common chocolate bars and milk chocolates.

Chocolate through the Years

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Innovative people, who have found their passion in improving chocolate, has added more variations, flare and spice to our good old chocolate bar. As we know today, chocolate takes many different forms, shapes, flavors and additives. Chocolate, as a flavor, is no longer confined to bars or drinks. We can find an endless array of products with chocolate such as ice creams, cakes and candies.

As it is, chocolate has been one of the biggest industries in the very corporate and global world that we have now. It has established a stable market that doesnít know age. Now that you know the history of chocolate, next time you grab a bar of chocolate or drink a cup of chocolate drink, imagine first that what you are enjoying was once just for the nobilities and royalties.

The Richness in Chocolates and Its History

Chocolates, rich in taste, rich in history. In the same manner that chocolates are rich in both taste and appearance, they are also known to have a very rich history.

Chocolates for Centuries

For hundred of years, chocolates have been an integral part of the history of countless countries. And through those years, chocolates had several uses in the society. They were used as a type of money the early people could use when trading, buying or selling. Aside from being a currency, chocolates were also popularly known as indulgent drinks exclusive and available only to royalty. Today, people from all over the world enjoy chocolates which are presented in various kinds of forms and continue to play an essential role in many cultures.

Mayansí Discovery of Crops and Wild Trees Ignited Discovery of Chocolates

The history of chocolates started out when archeologists discovered that the people Mayans planted and grew crops and wild trees in the Yucatan area of Central America during the 7th century A.D. The very pioneer trees that they were able to grow were the cocoa trees that cultivated in the hot and tropical rainforests situated within the Amazon and Orinoco basins about 4,000 years ago.

Chocolates as a Currency Used in Trading and Barter

In fact, historians have confirmed evidence that cocoa beans were initially used as a form of disbursement or expense. During those early times, another equally important role of chocolates is as a unit of calculating goods or items during the 1000 A.D. When people trade or buy or sell merchandise or goods, they used chocolates for trading and bartering in lieu of the money that we enjoy paying for goods during the modern times.

Paying Taxes with Chocolates or Cocoa Beans

And immediately after that period when chocolates were being used as currencies, even all their taxes, they had to pay in cocoa beans to Feudal Aztecs. And after hundreds of years, the first peoples who are now presently called the "Indians", prepared delectable chocolate drinks by brewing the cocoa beans to form a thick pasty mixture and eventually garnished with some roasted pieces of cocoa beans.

Spicing up Beverages with Chocolates

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Adding water and various spices like vanilla as well as cinnamon, pepper and other strong condiments, these chocolates became a luxurious and classy, expensive yet very accepted beverage enjoyed exclusively by royalty and Kings. While the poor and economically challenged who till the lands growing and cultivating cocoa beans, are restricted from drinking the beverage. They are given allocation of the chocolates to be used as flavor for their boiled corn; however, very sparingly.

Cocoa A Divine Drink to the Early Peoples

Cocoa or chocolate drink was considered a beverage exclusive for the drinking consumption of the male elite and as a matter of fact, during the Aztec Emperor Montezumaís regime, they called the chocolate drink, the ìdivineî beverage, which they believed could build up a manís resistance and fight off stress or fatigue. In1480 until1520, Aztec Emperor Montezuma was even quoted saying this: ìA cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food." Truly, chocolates and chocolate drinks alike have been a well-loved and well-admired naturally grown commodity not only in the early years or olden times, or the modern times, but all throughout chocolatesí history!

Two Giant Players In The History Of Chocolates

So many players abound in the industry of chocolates, and through the entire history of chocolates, they were Hersheyís and Nestle that more or less, monopolized the major market shares in the chocolate industry.

Hershey

Where did the unique name of Hersheyís really come from? What is the relevance of the name to the chocolates, anyway? It has been said that it was after a man who made the delicious chocolates which we now call and popularly know as Hersheyís. That is why it is only fit to name a town in honor of the man who created one of the oldest and most stable chocolate companies in the United States. Milton S. Hershey began an apprentice confectioner in 1876, and braved to establish his own business which drastically failed in a matter of years. He returned to Pennsylvania from New York and tried his hand at selling caramel candies which he sold in 1900 to venture into chocolates once again. He then introduced the famous Hersheyís Milk Chocolate Bar which became a phenomenal success.

In 1907, chocolates dropped to form a flat bottom and cone shape with tips was introduced as Hersheyís Kisses which were painstakingly wrapped by hand one by one. It was only in 1921 that the packaging machine for Hersheyís kisses was invented and therefore, started making the process much easier. Then they soon added the signature white ribbon that we saw as a kid, and still see, as a guarantee of a genuine Hershey product.

And today, the company is not just famous for the bar and the little mounds of chocolate kisses. Chocolates such as Reeseís, Mr. Goodbar, Hersheyís Minatures and Cadbury are only few of the most popular brands that are original Hersheyís.

Nestle

Unlike the other four companies, Nestle did not start as a chocolate manufacturer. In 1860ís, a pharmacist named Henri Nestle developed a food for premature babies which catapulted his popularity in Europe with the product called Farine LactÈe Henri NestlÈ.

In the early 1900ís, Nestle joined forces with a milk company and by the time World War I broke out, the demand for their products increased substantially. The same milk that they produced was used by

Page 12: Historia del chocolate

Daniel Peter, a friend of Nestle, who used the found the correct ratio of milk to chocolates. Milk Chocolates were manufactured in 1904.

Nestle after World War II

When the Second World War broke out, Nestle was affected with sales on their dairy products dropping from $20million to just about $6 million in a year. Steadfast, Nestle introduced what they thought would be popular amongst the military currently waged against each other, Nescafe.

Year after the war, Nestle acquired many companies and ventured into other types of products. It is believed to be the first company ever to develop the right mixture of milk and chocolate and is now famous for products such as Nestle Crunch, Butterfinger and Nestle Toll Houses.

Itís been a century since men of great imagination found a way to mass-produce what was once only available to the nobles. They managed not only to give simple man a taste of the wonderful chocolate, but they also brought forth the brands we still enjoy today. The history of chocolate is truly as rich as its taste, and certainly more generations still yet to come shall continue to enjoy the tasty goodness of chocolates.

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