A Brief History of Chocolate

Due to the wide commercialization of chocolate, many chocolate lovers don’t realize that chocolate comes from a tree, or rather, a fruit. The cacao tree produces cacao seeds that eventually turn into chocolate. Mixing the cacao seeds with water was the first taste of sipping chocolate, or a liquid chocolate drink. The Aztecs had access to a variety of spices, and therefore became experimental with their newfound drink.

Like all good trends, word of this new spicy, chocolaty drink traveled to Spain, where the idea of sipping chocolate grew immensely popular. It wasn’t until the 1600’s that chocolate crashed upon the shores of Italy, France and England. Chocolate quickly made its way into the French palace doors where Madame du Barry, mistress of Louis XV, associated chocolate with fun and entertainment. Chocolate was adapted by the French court as a deviant divulgence, scandalous dessert and the perfect party snack. Later being coined “the food of the gods”, chocolate became molded into bar form in the late 1700’s.

By the early 20th century, chocolate was widely consumed in eating form. Chocolate slowly was mixed with nuts, fruit and cream to form its extensive menu of chocolaty goodies. Even now, the experimenting will never stop. Possibilities are endless; the transformation of cacao limitless.

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