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Chocolate- who invented it and how it became the sweet treat we know today
Chocolate, a beloved treat enjoyed by millions around the world, has a rich and fascinating history. The origins of chocolate can be traced back to the ancient Mesoamerican cultures, specifically the Maya and Aztecs, who were among the first to cultivate the cacao tree and use its beans for food and drink.
The Maya civilization flourished in present-day Mexico and Central America from around 2600 BCE to 900 CE and was the first to domesticate the cacao tree and use its beans for food and drink. They believed the cacao tree was a gift from the gods and used the beans to create a bitter, spicy drink called "chocolhaa". The drink was believed to have medicinal properties and was often consumed during religious ceremonies.
The Aztecs, who proceeded the Maya in the 14th century, also enormously appreciated chocolate. They called the drink xocoatl, and like the Maya, believed it had medicinal properties and used it in religious ceremonies. However, the Aztecs also used cacao beans as currency, and the drink was reserved for the elite class.
The first Europeans to encounter chocolate were the Spanish Conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés, who arrived in Mexico in 1519. They quickly became enamored with the Aztec's chocolate drink and brought the beans back to Europe, where sugar and other ingredients were added to make it more palatable.
In 1847, J. S. Fry & Sons of England produced the first solid chocolate bar by mixing cocoa powder and sugar, making a paste that could be molded into bars. This was a significant chocolate production breakthrough, allowing for chocolate bars' mass production. In 1857 Daniel Peter of Switzerland invented milk chocolate, and after many years of trial and error, his milk chocolate "Gala" dominated the chocolate world. The Swiss are credited with creating the modern chocolate we know today.
In conclusion, chocolate has a long and rich history dating back to the ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Still, the Swiss are credited with inventing the chocolate we know and love today. The combination of cocoa powder, sugar, and other ingredients has made chocolate a treat for all to enjoy.
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