What is the History of Chocolate?

 The sweetest mystery revealed by mankind in history is probably that of chocolate. Nearly everyone loves chocolate, but do you know the history of chocolate? How it is made? What are its types? What are its benefits?

The name chocolate is somewhat a corrupted form of the original word Xocolatl, which literally means 'food of Gods'. Chocolate was found by Mayans and the Aztecs got it from the Mayans. It was Cortéz who brought it in Europe. The process used by Aztecs to prepare chocolate was considerably changed by the Spaniards. They guarded this sweet secret for nearly 100 years until when a Frenchman revealed this secret of chocolate making. Then onwards the industry of chocolate making grew by leaps and bounds and the chocolate making nearly attained the status of an art.

Chocolate is made from the beans of Cocoa. From the cocoa bean pods the beans are separated after fermentation. These beans are cleansed and then blown in a process to remove foreign particles and the husk. Then the kernel of the seeds is broken in small bits which are called as nibs. These nibs are ground finely to obtain what is called cocoa liquor. This liquor when crystallized produces the dark chocolate which is the mother of virtually all other chocolates that are prepared. Sometimes by grinding the nibs fat from the resulting mass is separated which is called as cocoa butter. This along with sugar is used to make sweet chocolate.

Depending upon what goes into it there are many types of chocolates available now. These types of chocolates include cocoa powder, dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, semi sweet chocolate, sweet dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, Couverture chocolates, and Gianduja chocolates. The chocolate percentage of these types varies according to types. Generally dark chocolates are rich in chocolate percentage.

You will be surprised to know that apart from the pleasant taste, chocolate has some therapeutic uses also. Chocolates are rich in flavanols which is quite renowned as an antioxidant. These antioxidants are useful to minimize the risk of blockages in arteries. These antioxidants prevent the platelets in blood from forming plaque. This considerably reduces heart related risk. These antioxidants also have anti aging properties. But a word of caution is needed here. All these effects are shown by the study are of raw unprocessed chocolates and not for the chocolates we get in market.

The chocolate industry has undergone a sea of changes in past years. Advent of industrialization opened new avenues for chocolate industry. There are many famous brands available in chocolate industry. Some imminent brands in chocolate are Nestlé, Ghirardelli, Hershey, Mars, and Lindt. Apart from these chocolate giants there are many other brands available and are quite reputed to give quality chocolate for years.

The history of chocolate is more fascinating than the tales of the Arabian nights. The process of chocolate making is also quite interesting. The therapeutic uses of chocolates are established scientifically. Many international brands of chocolates are available worldwide. With all this in mind you will enjoy the beautiful world of chocolates, of course over a bite of your favorite chocolate.

Chocolate is something people love, and what better gift to give someone than those hand made truffles and chocolate delights. The problem is which one should you aim for? The best solution is to be part of a tasting club, where you can sample different chocolates.