History of Chocolate

Chocolate...one of the things that we hold dear. Throughout history, chocolate has been used for various reasons from currency and medicine to fulfilling our deepest cravings. When we think of chocolate, we would probably think of truffles, brownies, hot chocolate...basically, plummet into chocolate heaven. But where do you think chocolate came from? Surely, there can’t just be chocolate bars dangling on trees...right?

The Olmec, one of the oldest civilizations in Latin America, are said to have ‘invented’ chocolate. Chocolate’s 4,000-year history began in ancient Mesoamerica, Mexico. When chocolate was introduced to the western world, it quickly became a luxury and was very popular among the wealthy. Catholic monks used to drink it to aid rituals in religious practices. Ancient Mayans used it as currency, in exchange for goods. Suprisingly, it even came to a point where it was used as medicine. It was used by European doctors to treat syphillis. No one knows when chocolate came to Europe, but it first arrived in Spain. In fact, it took over a century for it to be revealed to the rest of Europe. Chocolate was still hand-produced, which was very long and laborious. However, with the Industrial Revolution around the corner, times were changing rapidly.

Chocolate is made from cocoa, the fruit of cocoa trees. The fruits have pods which hold approximately forty cacao beans. The beans are dried and roasted to create cocoa beans. Those cocoa beans are transferred to manufacturing factories where they seperate, clean, preserve and grind. Then, it's exported to different countries where it would be transformed into various chocolatey goods. The chocolate industry plays a major part in the food economy.

One of my favourite chocolate companies would be Lindt and Godiva. Their chocolates are simple mouth-melting and it’s as if you are transported to heaven with one bite. My favourite flavours would be white chocolate and dark chocolate. Suprisingly, both are polar opposites, as white is much sweeter whereas dark is much more bitter. However, they both satisfy my palate spectacularly. I like all chocolates, except the ones with nuts. Personally, I don't favour anything with nuts except...nuts.

Modern Day production of chocolate is incredibly competitive. According to history.com, many cocoa farmers struggle to make ends meet, causing some farmers to turn to low wage and slave labor to stay competitive. This has made large chocolate companies reconsider how they get their cocoa supply. It resulted in more ‘fair trade’ chocolate to ensure farmers get an equal share in an ethical and sustainable way. 

Chocolate is the language of celebration across the world. Nowadays, chocolate is a simple luxury found in every supermarket. It is mind-blowing to see how this small cocoa fruit has captured the imagination and commitment  of people everywhere. So, next time you see a chocolate bar, let it fill your senses but check if it's fair trade!