What are Chocolates?
Happiness comes in all shapes and sizes. Such as a chocolate cake or a chocolate chip cookie or a chocolate bar. Chocolates can be described as a form of happiness as it is often described as a delicious treat by many, but technically chocolate is a seed from the fruit of the cacao tree. This delicacy that we enjoy were once known as the “Food of Gods” by the Greeks, due to its rich aroma and intense flavor and also due to its many benefits. Such as its powerful nutritional value and immunity-boosting power. So next time you indulge in a sweet bite, you can do it guilt-free.
Where does chocolate originally come from?
Chocolate is the seed from the fruit of the Theobroma tree. It takes one year for the cocoa tree to produce 2-3 chocolate bars. These trees live up to 200 years, making them almost immortal. But, they produce beans only for 25 years of their lifespan. A farmer must wait for four to five years for a cacao tree to produce its first beans.
Chocolates have many unique benefits. But, before you say “no more chocolates in 2020 !”, remember that chocolates prevent tooth decay and can reduce the risk of heart disease by one third. The signature chocolate smell increases theta waves in the brain and triggers relaxation. Chocolates are also a great aphrodisiac and mood elevators. Cocoa beans have a chemical, that causes blood vessels to relax and lowers bad cholesterol; it also protects your skin from harmful rays from the sun.
History of Chocolates
Before you bite into a smooth, rich dairy milk bar, you should know that the chocolates were not always this sweet treat. They were traditionally a bitter drink. Chocolates were originally found in the tropical rainforests of Central America.
Chocolates were cultivated by the Mesoamericans, and the ancient tribe believed that chocolates contained mystique powers. It was also known for its aphrodisiac properties, and spiritual qualities. The cocoa bean was worshipped by the Mayans. And they were reserved only for the noblest dignitaries, rulers, warriors, and priests. It was also a form of currency in the Mayan region. In fact it had more worth than gold!. It was said that the Aztec tribe used to buy a turkey hen for 1000 beans.
During the 16th century, cacao was brewed in Mexican and Aztec culture. It tastes nothing like the hot chocolate we enjoy now, but it was the most sacred. It was made by mixing ground-up chilies, cornflour and cocoa beans. It was bitter and foamy, and was often used in sacred ceremonies like weddings. People considered it as a food from the heavens given by the Aztec God, Quetzalcoatl. And it is said that he was then blamed for giving the heavenly food (chocolate) to mere humans.
In 1500 the Spanish conquerors invaded Central America. They were typically in search of precious metals like Gold and Silver, but surprisingly, they stumbled across the Cocoa bean. This is how the cocoa bean came to Europe; it was used as medicine to tend to the sick and also used in the aristocratic community. They would typically crush the cocoa beans and drink it. This was known as “chocolate liquor”, and is made up of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Soon people started adding sugar and honey to the mix and it turned out to be tastier.
In 1828, the cocoa press was founded. This machine would separate the cocoa butter, and cocoa powder from the cocoa beans. It was founded by a chocolatier called Van Houston. In 1887 Daniel Peter, a Swiss chocolatier decided to put milk into the concoction. He was searching for a way to preserve the milk chocolate for a long duration of time, that is when nestle (who was the producer of milk powder) collaborated with Daniel Peter and thus, milk chocolates were introduced to the world. From then on, Chocolates were easily available to the masses. With marketing and more production, chocolates were now a delicacy everyone can enjoy.
In 1828, the cocoa press was founded. This machine would separate the cocoa butter, and cocoa powder from the cocoa beans. It was founded by a chocolatier called Van Houston. In 1887 Daniel Peter, a Swiss chocolatier decided to put milk into the concoction. He was searching for a way to preserve the milk chocolate for a long duration of time, that is when nestle (who was the producer of milk powder) collaborated with Daniel Peter and thus, milk chocolates were introduced to the world. From then on, Chocolates were easily available to the masses. With marketing and more production, chocolates were now a delicacy everyone can enjoy.
You would also like to read – Chocolate Facts That Will Enlighten You While You Enjoy Your Treat.
