The
origins of chocolate can
be traced back to the ancient Maya and Aztec
civilizations in Central America, which first
enjoyed chocolatl, a highly valued spicy drink
made from roasted cocoa beans. In 1517, Don Hernan
Cortes, the Spanish conquistador who discovered
Mexico, was introduced to chocolate by Montezuma,
Emperor of the Aztecs. It is said that Montezuma
would drink chocolatl before entering his harem,
thus the story was started that chocolate is
an aphrodisiac.
When
Cortes returned to Spain in 1528, his ships were
loaded with cocoa beans
and the equipment to make the chocolate drink.
The Spanish kept this recipe a secret for many
years but, before long, it was a treat enjoyed
by the wealthiest classes across Europe.
Chocolate
was used exclusively for drinking until the early
Victorian era, when an unknown genius devised
a technique for making chocolate solid so it
could be eaten. According to today's standards,
the first eating chocolate would not be very
palatable to us. Throughout its history, whether
as a baking ingredient, a beverage or sweet treat,
chocolate has been in high demand.
Representing
companies like Butler's Irish Chocolate, Cadbury
Chocolate and McVitie's Biscuits, LittleShamrocks.com
offers some of the most desirable chocolate products
for your perusal.
