CHOCOLATE Tips, Recipe and Guide

Bitter, bubbly, and spicy—these were the characteristics of chocolates during the earlier times. According to studies, the Aztecs were the first to discover chocolate, although no one is sure as to exactly how this came about. Cacao trees were abundant in the deep jungles of Central America. The Aztecs collected seeds from these trees. After fermenting and drying these seeds, they were roasted and crushed with spices and water, bringing forth the first version of chocolate.

Chocolate was once a ceremonial drink in Central America. Chocolate played a big part in the social and religious practices of the people from this area. Chocolate was further considered a sacred item, earning the favor of the members of royalty. When the Spaniards found out about this exotic item and where it came from, they brought samples of cacao to Spain, where it became a court favorite. In 1700, hot chocolate was sold all over England. By 1847, English candy makers had found a way to make the chocolate drink solid, giving way to the snack food most people love.

Nowadays, chocolates are best known as the sweet candies that both kids and adults enjoy. Not a lot of people can resist this sweet-tasting delicacy that melts in the mouth and makes one crave more.

The process of making chocolate is complex because it involves many steps in order to produce a delicious-tasting product. A quality chocolate includes the right amount of cocoa butter. It has no artificial additives for either color or flavor. Furthermore, it includes only natural ingredients and contains 30 percent or more of cocoa.

Indeed, chocolate has come a long way since it was first discovered. It has enjoyed extreme popularity throughout the times.

By Eddie Tobey