Many can not imagine their life without tasty and fragrant hot chocolate. But no one knows exactly where and when this drink appeared. It is known that the delicacy was made from the fruits of the cocoa tree about three thousand years ago. Hot chocolate is said to be a Mexican ancient folk drink. His story is very interesting.
Who was the first
I agree with some historical data, the first tastes of chocolate were tasted by the Maya Indians who lived on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. However, they used it cold. To begin with, they roasted cocoa beans, and then mixed them with water. Chili peppers were also added to the drink. It's hard to call a treat. After all, the finished drink was very bitter and spicy.
The fruits of the cocoa tree and chocolate gradually became very valuable products. As a result, they were equated with the food of the gods. This is due to the fact that the Mayan tribe did not grow trees that bear expensive fruits. Cocoa beans were small, not everyone had the opportunity to try a wonderful drink.
Valuable fruits
Mexican ancient folk drink from cocoa beans did not begin to be prepared immediately. The bitter fruits gradually turned into currency. For 100 beans of a cocoa tree, you could buy a slave. If the calculation was very large, then as a payment they brought in not one fruit, but whole pods.
The development of the history of chocolate began when the Aztec tribe appeared . It was at this time that the Mexican ancient folk drink appeared. By the way, the name of the treat appeared as a result of the combination of two words: cocoa and water. However, chocolate did not cease to be considered a drink of the elect. Only tribal leaders and priests could use it. They drank chocolate from golden vessels decorated with precious stones. Changes have occurred in the composition of the drink. In chocolate, sweet agave juice, vanilla, honey and grains of dairy corn began to be added.
Chocolate in Europe
Mexican ancient folk drink in the XVI century were able to try the Europeans. This event opened a new page in the history of chocolate. Hernando Cortes was at that time not only an associate of the great navigator Christopher Columbus, but also a popularizer of an amazing drink in Europe. He was the first to appreciate the subtle shades and exquisite notes of this original exotic treat.
After some time, hot chocolate became very popular among the Spanish aristocracy. The drink was very tasty and unusual. However, its composition has again undergone some changes. Nutmeg, cinnamon and cane sugar were added to the treat. This greatly influenced the taste of goodies.
Already in the XVII century, hot chocolate became a popular drink in all the royal courts of Europe. However, the cost of this delicacy was very high. Allow yourself a chocolate could only persons of royal blood. Gradually, cocoa plantations appeared. As a result, the drink has become more affordable.
First tiles
What chocolate is made of, everyone knows. However, many do not even realize that this delicacy was consumed for a long time only in liquid form. Chocolate in the form of tiles appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. It was at this time that the hydraulic press was invented , which made it possible to extract oil from cocoa beans. The first tile of this delicacy was created by the Swiss - Francois Louis Cayeux. After some time, its technology was borrowed by larger enterprises throughout Europe.
Gradually new ways of preparing an amazing treat were created. In particular, the composition of chocolate was changing . The recipe for the goodies has undergone many changes. Wine, spices, and various sweets began to be added to chocolate, including raisins, nuts, vanilla, candied fruits, as well as beer.
The new kind
What chocolate is made of today is not a secret. In addition to cocoa butter, milk is added to it. For the first time, this component was introduced into the treats by another Swiss confectioner, Daniel Peter. At that time, milk chocolate was a fundamentally new variety.
To prepare the goodies, a new ingredient was required. It was milk powder. He was supplied by businessman Henri Nestle. It is worth noting that after a while he created a company. She bore the name "Nestle." And it was she who received the first patent for the production of chocolate.
Nowadays
The cuisine of Mexico is unique. She has her own characteristics. Some of her dishes have undergone many changes and spread throughout the world. Among them is chocolate. The procession of this goodies around the world continues to this day. Today it is made by many companies. The color of this chocolate depends on its composition. The more cocoa butter it contains, the darker it is. In addition, milk fats were added to the treat. They also influenced the color of the final product.
Nowadays, we have learned to add vitamins, useful microelements and substances to chocolate, as well as all kinds of spices, spices and sweet additives. Treats began to be made with liquid and fruit fillings, with alcohol and with nuts, corn flakes and even salt. The range of chocolate has increased significantly.
The main varieties of chocolate
At the moment, three main types of chocolate are made: white, milk and black. Each of them has its own characteristics. For example, dark chocolate has a characteristic bitter taste. It is because of this that he is often called bitter. It is worth noting that such a delicacy has useful properties, as well as a tonic effect.
Milk chocolate has a more delicate, sweet and mild flavor. In addition, it is much lighter. The composition of such a treat includes milk fats, which are useful for a growing body. Therefore, it is often produced in a uniform for children.
As for white chocolate, there are no cocoa beans in its composition. Therefore, the delicacy does not have a characteristic color. The main component of this chocolate is cocoa bean butter. It is almost tasteless and has an aroma. Powdered sugar and milk are added to the treat. It is these components that give it a taste.
In conclusion
So how did chocolate come about? Mexico is home to this amazing delicacy, which has many useful properties. Many do not even realize that chocolate is an excellent antidepressant. Its use stimulates the production of the "hormone of happiness." Many historians claim that the daughter of the Spanish king Anna, having married Louis XIII, brought with her chocolate made in her homeland. She used this delicacy as a remedy for nostalgia and loneliness. Of course, over a thousand years of history, chocolate has changed a lot. In its composition they began to add substances that are not always useful to humans. However, giving up chocolate is very difficult. And if you wish, you can always find a quality product on the shelves.