First Discovery Of Chocolate And Its Uses

Many people that have a love affair with chocolate really know very little of its origins. The fact that chocolate is said to be approximately 2,000 years old is something that most would actually find amazing.

It was indeed the Mayan people the first discovered the Cacao tree and the fruit that it bears. The Mayans took the beans from the tree and cultivated it in order to make a heavy dark paste. This paste was transformed into a drink in which they used to not only survive off of but, for ceremonies as well.

Appreciated By The Aztecs

By the time the Aztec came along, Cacao beans and the thick drink that was produced from them was rather popular. The Aztecs adopted this drink for themselves and it became so appreciated that they adopted it for a form of currency. This currency was used in place of other goods received from one Aztec family to another. It also was used from neighboring tribes and foreigners alike.

This form of bartering, paved the way for the cacao beans to leave its native soils and head for Europe. As some might assume, it was in fact not Christopher Columbus that first took note of these wonderful beans. It was a Spaniard by the name of Cortez. This gentleman had a hunch that these beans would be a hit so he brought them to his king.

A Well Kept Secret

The Spanish introduced the beans and what they offer to the people in the late 1800’s and it was an instant success. The Spanish were so happy with their concoction that they did not want the word to get out, so they kept it a very tight secret for around 100 years. This kept this chocolate mix from the rest of Europe until the Spanish could hide it no more.

At this time this drink was not reserved for simply royalty or the wealthy. Everyone and their grandmother were enjoying the spoils of the mix, provided they could actually afford it. Once the rest of Europe did in fact get wind, it was not long before this secret was as big elsewhere as it was in Spain.

This drink was not simply a survival recipe anymore. It was also a healthy currency and a useful bartering tool throughout the new world. The cacao bean has actually become a very useful tool, one that is now flourishing throughout the world.

Not Just For Eating Anymore

Once candy makers got a hold of this fine mix, it was time to put their reputations on the line. Candy makers such as Hersey and Nestle brought about chocolate treats that the world fell in love with. There is today however, several other uses that chocolate is now showing its worth with. This can include body spa products and perfumes. It can also include medical uses that introduce antioxidants to help stave off illnesses. Who knows what chocolate will have in store for the future. Yet, one thing is sure, it will not fade away.