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 can’t 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 Cortez’ concoction of chocolates sweetened with natural cane sugar.

Linnaeus’ 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 “obroma” 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, isn’t it so interesting to discover that Spain kept the art of the cocoa cultivation a total top 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!  

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