The History of Chocolate
April 21, 2007 by admin
Filed under Chocolate, Chocolate Trivia
Centuries ago chocolate was nothing like what we know it as today. It was not a sweet concoction enjoyed by anybody, but rather a bitter drink used in many ceremonies.
Chocolate originated with the Mayan civilization in South America somewhere between 250 and 900 A.D. They would make a paste from roasted cacao seeds which they then mixed with water and spices. The result was a spicy, bitter drink. While most of their people did indulge in this drink on occasion, when it was later adopted by the Aztecs they reserved it for their rulers and priests. In fact, the Aztec ruler Montezuma supposedly drank 50 goblets of this chocolate beverage every day.
Once the Spanish explorers discovered this drink, they took it with them back to Europe where they added sugar. Over time it evolved into a sweeter taste.
