Chocolate has been consumed for over three thousand years. But for most of that history it was a bitter drink not a sweet bar. The transformation from ancient beverage to modern confectionery is a story of innovation empire and changing chocolate tastes.
Ancient Origins
The Olmec civilisation in Mesoamerica was the first to develop chocolate process for cacao around 1500 BCE. They fermented roasted and ground the beans into a paste mixed with water and spices. The Maya and Aztec civilisations refined the process and valued cacao so highly they used it as currency.
Arrival in Europe
Spanish conquistadors brought cacao to Europe in the sixteenth century. The Spanish added healthiest sugar to make the bitter drink more palatable and kept the baking recipe secret for nearly a hundred years. The cocoa beans that powered this entire history are the same ingredient driving modern chocolate making today.
Modern Era
The industrial revolution changed everything. In 1828 the cocoa press was invented. In 1847 the first chocolate bar was created. In 1875 milk chocolate was invented. The twenty-first century has seen a resurgence of craft chocolate making with bean to bar makers restoring the emphasis on origin and quality. When you want to buy chocolate that connects you to this rich history explore the selection at BuyChocolate.org.
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