Expert History of Chocolate
A chocolate research project begun in 1998 has led scholars throughout the country and across disciplines to uncover archives, archaeological finds and historical artifacts documenting the history of chocolate. The book, Chocolate – History, Culture and Heritage, by Louis Grivetti and Howard-Yana Shapiro, published earlier this year, details these findings. Ball State University hosted Grivetti , professor emeritus at UC Davis to discuss the history of chocolate and its evolution from a precious beverage thousands of years go, to its place today in Hershey, PA.
An excerpt:
“Grivetti said the first painting that depicts chocolate was from a capstone from the Temple of the Owls, Mexico, in 881.
The history of chocolate began with the domestication of the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao, in South America about 4,000 years ago. The scientific name means “drink of the gods,” and begins as seeds in a pod, which is the fruit of the tree.
The Mayans also used cacao for religious rituals, ceremonies, and as currency. The cacao seeds, called nibs, were also used as coins.
At this time, the chocolate elixir was only given to adult males.
“Chocolate was thought to be too stimulating for women and children,” Grivetti said.
Trade from the ancient civilizations of the Mayans and the Aztecs, through Mexico to the Caribbean and eventually to Europe spread chocolate across continents.
By 1580, cacao was popular in Spain among the wealthy. Chocolate eventually expanded across Europe as sugar became more available in the 17th century.
The first solid chocolate was produced in Switzerland in 1819, which created a snowball effect of candy companies and products, including Cadbury’s Chocolate Company in England and Baker Chocolate Company in the Unites States, Grivetti said.
Once the confectionery chocolate bar reached the United States, it served a different purpose.”
Satisfy your sweet tooth with expert’s history of chocolate – FEATURES.
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