Difference between revisions of "Chocolate"
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==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | Chocolate probably originated in [[South America]] and was likely brought to [[Mexico]] by the Aztecs. A chocolate beverage called ''xocolatl'' (the Nahuatl source of the word ''cocoa'') | + | Chocolate probably originated in [[South America]] and was likely brought to [[Mexico]] by the Aztecs. A chocolate beverage called ''xocolatl'' (the Nahuatl source of the word ''cocoa'') in considered the precursor to modern hot chocolate, although this drink was bitter and peppery (mixed with chili pepper).<ref>http://www.godivachocolates.co.uk/the-history-of-chocolate-mayans-aztecs.html</ref> It was often used for religious purposes, since the cocoa bean was considered to be sacred. According to legend, [[Montezuma]] drank around 50 cups of this beverage a day. Chocolate was spread to the [[Old World]] after [[Hernan Cortes]] conquered Mexico and traded cocoa beans to [[Europe]] in exchange for European goods as part of the [[Columbian exchange]]. The Spanish made it into the drink we know today, heating the drink and adding [[sugar]]. Soon, chocolate was extensively used in desserts and drinks. Today, chocolate is produced throughout the equatorial portions of the world, from [[Venezuela]] to [[Madagascar]]. Half of the world's chocolate is now produced in the [[Ivory Coast]] under what are often terrible working conditions. |
In 1765, chocolate production began in the New World. A water-powered mill in Dorchester, Massachusetts operated by John Hanan processed cocoa brought in from the West Indies by ship.<ref>http://0-academic.eb.com.www.consuls.org/levels/collegiate/article/82278</ref> | In 1765, chocolate production began in the New World. A water-powered mill in Dorchester, Massachusetts operated by John Hanan processed cocoa brought in from the West Indies by ship.<ref>http://0-academic.eb.com.www.consuls.org/levels/collegiate/article/82278</ref> | ||
Revision as of 18:12, April 27, 2019
Chocolate is a foodstuff, originating from the cocoa bean. Chocolate is often used in desserts. Belgium is famous around the world for its chocolate.[1] Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the Scandinavian countries are also well known for their chocolate and other candy.
History
Chocolate probably originated in South America and was likely brought to Mexico by the Aztecs. A chocolate beverage called xocolatl (the Nahuatl source of the word cocoa) in considered the precursor to modern hot chocolate, although this drink was bitter and peppery (mixed with chili pepper).[2] It was often used for religious purposes, since the cocoa bean was considered to be sacred. According to legend, Montezuma drank around 50 cups of this beverage a day. Chocolate was spread to the Old World after Hernan Cortes conquered Mexico and traded cocoa beans to Europe in exchange for European goods as part of the Columbian exchange. The Spanish made it into the drink we know today, heating the drink and adding sugar. Soon, chocolate was extensively used in desserts and drinks. Today, chocolate is produced throughout the equatorial portions of the world, from Venezuela to Madagascar. Half of the world's chocolate is now produced in the Ivory Coast under what are often terrible working conditions.
In 1765, chocolate production began in the New World. A water-powered mill in Dorchester, Massachusetts operated by John Hanan processed cocoa brought in from the West Indies by ship.[3]
Usage
Nowadays, chocolate is most often eaten in the form of candy bars or hot cocoa (although chocolate eggs and rabbits are often available for sale during Lent since they are eaten in celebration of Easter). The top ten chocolate manufacturers in 2005 sold about US $42 billion in confectionary.[4] There is a common belief that chocolate is bad for people's health and that it causes acne. In actuality, however, chocolate contains large amounts of healthy antioxidants, and food is not a cause of acne.[5] If eaten unsweetened, chocolate is generally believed to actually be healthy. However, most admit that the addition of sugar to chocolate largely cancels out its benefits.
Women are stereotypically considered to be major consumers of sweetened chocolate.