The History of Chocolate | Where does Chocolate Come From? (2024)

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The History of Chocolate | Where does Chocolate Come From? ›

The history of chocolate, and its creation from the beans of the cacao tree, can be traced to the ancient Maya, and even earlier to the ancient Olmecs of southern Mexico.

The history of chocolate, and its creation from the beans of the cacao tree, can be traced to the ancient Maya, and even earlier to the ancient Olmecs of southern Mexico.

For nearly a century, chocolate remained a well-guarded secret among Spain's elite. During the competitive times of the Age of Exploration, the chocolate recipe was kept secret by Spain so they could maintain an edge in European politics and trade.

Chocolate history starts out around 1000BC in Latin America, where cacao trees grow wild. The first people to use chocolate were probably the Olmec of what is today southeast Mexico, and their word, “kakawa,” gave us our word “cacao.”

Adopting the Mesoamerican chocolate drink as their own, the Spanish were the first to sweeten the drink with cane sugar and cinnamon. However, the delicacy was only available to royalty and the elite, because the chocolate was at that time considered a symbol of luxury, power, and wealth.

The abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and the colonial indenture system did not end slavery in chocolate production. Despite major brands vowing to stop using cocoa harvested by children two decades ago, child labour in modern day chocolate production is unfortunately still a huge problem.

The Olmec, one of the earliest civilizations in Latin America, were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate.

We encounter the term “Criollo” frequently in chocolate circles for good reason–it's the most sought after chocolate in the world. Pure Criollo cacao is exquisitely rare: there are only two sources, and only one of them, BFREE Belize, produces sufficient beans for chocolate production.

World's oldest chocolate was made 5300 years ago—in a South American rainforest.

What's the healthiest chocolate? ›

Of the three types of chocolate — dark, milk and white — dark chocolate is the healthiest, nutrition experts say.

The four top chocolate-producing countries are Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Poland. Belgium is one of the largest producers, and much of the chocolate is still made by hand.

The monarch is said to be fond of a classic British dark mint chocolate, usually eaten after dinner, that anyone can buy from a local supermarket. The Bendicks Bittermints were seen in the back of an engagement photo. The Queen also likes sweet offerings from the famous chocolatier Charbonnel et Walker.

The chart compares per capita chocolate consumption among the top ten countries. Switzerland leads the chart with an annual consumption of 8.8 kg per person, closely followed by Germany at 8.4 kg. Ireland and the United Kingdom are also significant consumers, with figures around 8.3 kg and 8.2 kg, respectively.

Most of the world's cocoa is produced in West Africa

The world produces nearly 6 million tonnes of cocoa beans each year. Almost two-thirds of this comes from West Africa. Most of the rest is produced in South America and Asia. Production is even more concentrated within West Africa.

Guatemala is often considered the “birthplace” of chocolate, as the ancient Mayas worshipped the cocoa tree and consumed chocolate often. It was usually consumed as a drink called Xoconochco or Suchitepequez.

Colonist planted cacao in Brazil, the Caribbean, the Philippines and Indonesia, turning it into a global industry. These colonial plantations ran on the labour of thousands of enslaved Africans, brought into captivity to meet the European market's increased demand for chocolate.

Did they drink chocolate hot or cold? Surprisingly, the Aztecs preferred it cold, whilst the Maya preferred it hot! This is a gross over-simplification, but there clearly were cultural differences.

Belgian chocolate (French: Chocolat Belge, German: Belgische Schokolade, Dutch: Belgische Chocolade) is chocolate produced in Belgium. A major industry since the 19th century, today it forms an important part of the nation's economy and culture.