The History of Chocolate

Today, chocolate is consumed around the world, but it was originally used in ancient Mesoamerica.

The Aztecs of modern-day Mexico thought the god of wisdom, Quetzalcoatl, gave them cacao seeds, and they were valued so highly they became a form of currency. In addition, the seeds were used to make a bitter liquid chocolate that allegedly provided strength and aphrodisiac properties.

After the Spanish conquest in the 16^th-century, cacao was taken to Europe for the first time. Here, it was sweetened with sugar, and soon became hugely popular. This new market led to the creation of slave plantations where cacao was grown in the New World, and scientists started developing new forms of chocolate.

By 1847, the first solid chocolate was made in Europe, often mixed with milk. Many new companies sprang up over the course of the century, and chocolate became a mass market commodity.

During the 20^th century, mass market chocolate dominated, but, in recent years, there has been a movement toward craft chocolate. Contemporary consumers pay increasing amounts of attention to where their chocolate comes from, and single origin bars are becoming more commonplace.

It is hoped the craft chocolate market can ensure better working conditions for cacao farmers around the world.