Showing posts with label what is the history of chocolate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what is the history of chocolate. Show all posts

Saturday, March 30, 2013

What is the History of Chocolate?



 The sweetest mystery revealed by mankind in history is probably that of chocolate. Nearly everyone loves chocolate, but do you know the history of chocolate? How it is made? What are its types? What are its benefits?

The name chocolate is somewhat a corrupted form of the original word Xocolatl, which literally means 'food of Gods'. Chocolate was found by Mayans and the Aztecs got it from the Mayans. It was Cortéz who brought it in Europe. The process used by Aztecs to prepare chocolate was considerably changed by the Spaniards. They guarded this sweet secret for nearly 100 years until when a Frenchman revealed this secret of chocolate making. Then onwards the industry of chocolate making grew by leaps and bounds and the chocolate making nearly attained the status of an art.

Chocolate is made from the beans of Cocoa. From the cocoa bean pods the beans are separated after fermentation. These beans are cleansed and then blown in a process to remove foreign particles and the husk. Then the kernel of the seeds is broken in small bits which are called as nibs. These nibs are ground finely to obtain what is called cocoa liquor. This liquor when crystallized produces the dark chocolate which is the mother of virtually all other chocolates that are prepared. Sometimes by grinding the nibs fat from the resulting mass is separated which is called as cocoa butter. This along with sugar is used to make sweet chocolate.

Depending upon what goes into it there are many types of chocolates available now. These types of chocolates include cocoa powder, dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, semi sweet chocolate, sweet dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, Couverture chocolates, and Gianduja chocolates. The chocolate percentage of these types varies according to types. Generally dark chocolates are rich in chocolate percentage.

You will be surprised to know that apart from the pleasant taste, chocolate has some therapeutic uses also. Chocolates are rich in flavanols which is quite renowned as an antioxidant. These antioxidants are useful to minimize the risk of blockages in arteries. These antioxidants prevent the platelets in blood from forming plaque. This considerably reduces heart related risk. These antioxidants also have anti aging properties. But a word of caution is needed here. All these effects are shown by the study are of raw unprocessed chocolates and not for the chocolates we get in market.

The chocolate industry has undergone a sea of changes in past years. Advent of industrialization opened new avenues for chocolate industry. There are many famous brands available in chocolate industry. Some imminent brands in chocolate are Nestlé, Ghirardelli, Hershey, Mars, and Lindt. Apart from these chocolate giants there are many other brands available and are quite reputed to give quality chocolate for years.

The history of chocolate is more fascinating than the tales of the Arabian nights. The process of chocolate making is also quite interesting. The therapeutic uses of chocolates are established scientifically. Many international brands of chocolates are available worldwide. With all this in mind you will enjoy the beautiful world of chocolates, of course over a bite of your favorite chocolate.
Chocolate is something people love, and what better gift to give someone than those hand made truffles and chocolate delights. The problem is which one should you aim for? The best solution is to be part of a tasting club, where you can sample different chocolates.



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

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 rain forests 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 Chocolate 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!



Free Backlinks