Chocolate is an acknowledged delicacy with a fabulous aroma and magical taste. Every year, World Chocolate Day is celebrated in his honor on July 11. In any modern language, the word "chocolate" sounds the same. The history of chocolate and everything connected with it began over 3000 years ago.
Instructions
Step 1
The main constituent of chocolate is cocoa beans. The homeland of cocoa is South America. The name "cocoa" comes from the Aztec name of the plant - "cacuatl". The Aztecs prepared a special drink called chocolatl from cocoa beans. This drink with a specific taste was first prepared only for the emperor of the Aztecs. From the name of the drink "Chocolatl" comes the word chocolate.
Step 2
By the time the Spaniards arrived in South America, the Indians were already using cocoa extensively. From cocoa beans, corn flour and green pepper, the Aztecs brewed their invigorating drink. In 1520, Hernán Cortez brought cocoa beans to Europe. But the Spaniards did not like the exotic drink of the Indians, so they came up with their own recipe. The Spaniards prepared a drink from ground cocoa beans with sugar. The resulting product did not receive wide distribution, as it was too fatty and bitter.
Step 3
The Spanish recipe was only available to noble and wealthy people due to its high cost. Gradually, the fashion for a chocolate drink spread in the aristocratic circles of Europe.
Step 4
Only several centuries later did people learn how to make chocolate. In 1828, Dutch merchant Konrad van Hooten isolated butter from cocoa beans. For the preparation of the drink, they began to use fat-free beans. After 20 years, butter and sugar were added to the crushed mass to obtain "chocolate for food".
Step 5
In 1875, a recipe for making hard milk chocolate was invented in Switzerland. This recipe is still a secret. In 1879, the first solid chocolate bar was produced.
Step 6
At the beginning of the 20th century, prices for the main ingredients of chocolate fell significantly. Chocolate is becoming available to most people. During hostilities, the American government includes chocolate in the diet of fighters. Chocolate became popular in the countries of Asia and Africa, thanks to the soldiers who treated the local population to rationed chocolate.
Step 7
In the diet of modern humans, products containing cocoa are firmly established. Chocolate is served at diplomatic receptions, in cafes and restaurants, given to each other and simply bought for no reason. Chocolate is a must for astronauts, divers, cavers and climbers. There are many recipes for making desserts, cakes and puddings with cocoa and chocolate.
