History of Cocoa

Billions of people around the world have enjoy the sweet and savory taste of cocoa, but most do not know where cocoa originated from.

Cocoa first evolved in ancient South Americas as a crop for many cultures such as Aztecs and Mayans indigenous population.

Researchs have discovered cocoa based reminences dating back several thousand years.

Many people refer to cocoa as chocolate, many do not know that chocolate stems form two wrds in Nahuatl.

This language was spoken by many native groups. "Chocolatl" translated means "hot water" and Cacahuatl refers to a bitter beverage with cocoa. This beverage was shared during religious ceremonies.

The cocoa bean had great significants to the local cultures that it was used for currency in trade or even gifted to troops as a post battle rewards. They also served cocoa at royal feasts.

Lots of changes were made to the bitter drink, like adding sugar and spices. It didn't take long for the cocoa bean or more specifically chocolate.

In no time chocolate quickly spread across the rest of western Europe. Chocolate in it's drink form found it's way into France and England.

Chocolate was enjoy by the upper class and soon gained a reputation of being a aphrodisiac.

As you may know trends come and go, and that is what exactly happened to the chocolate delicacy.

During the industrial revolution steam machines start to produce cocoa powder way quicker making it more affordable.

Diminishing the chocolate trend. None the less, solid chocolate hit the markets and was a instant success in 1850.

The founder Joseph Fry made the discovery of adding cocoa butter to cocoa powder to make a solid piece of chocolate, which truely exploded the market of chocolate and cocoa industry.

Cocoa in general has had its ups and downs but it never not once went out of style. Cocoa is still a consistent attraction to people worldwide.