Chocolate.
No other delicacy has acquired the popularity that chocolate has.
The popularity of chocolate probably comes from the fact that it can serve many purposes. It is a delicious snack, a hot beverage on a cold night, and the perfect holiday gift. Chocolate is even considered an aphrodisiac (it has been proven that people get a bigger buzz off chocolate than being kissed by their spouse). However, before discussing where chocolate comes from, let us delve into its history.
Chocolate originated some three thousand years ago in the Latin American world. The tribes of that region harvested the seeds of the Cacao tree. While the tribe’s men did not use the harvested Cacao seeds as potential gifts, they did let the seeds ferment until it became something that is loved the world over: liquor. Yes, as strange as it may seem, those early tribe’s men used chocolate as a method of inebriation. Over time the people of the region created the first chocolate drink; xocolatl. The difference between this drink and the chocolate drinks of today is that xocolatl was a spicy drink made with Chili Peppers. Eventually Europeans who wisely took Chili Peppers out and added pure sugar cane discovered chocolate. The Conquistadors were credited with bringing chocolate to Europe, and making it popular in its liquid form. However, chocolate would not be offered in a solid form until 1847 when Joseph Fry and his son developed the first chocolate bar. The rest, as they say, is culinary history.
In recent times, chocolate has been incorporated into other forms. Chocolate milk made its debut in 1875 and white chocolate in 1955. Today chocolate has become the number one form of candy sold. Anyone who wants to verify this claim need only walk into any retail outlet to see that seasonal candy is divided into two sections: chocolate and everything else. The chocolate drink itself is a popular winter treat (though thankfully sans Chili Peppers). Chocolate has also been combined with other products to form delicious candy bars. Among the more popular items that have been blended with chocolate are almonds, caramel, cherries, coconuts, mints and peanuts. These candy bars have helped to propel chocolate sales into the billions, if not trillions. Many people believe that while delicious, chocolate is bad for the body. While there is no denying that chocolate can be fattening, it has also helped man progress in medicine and science.
After World War II, scientists were trying to create a better radar system. One day, while working with magnetrons (or microwaves), one of the scientists forgot that he had a chocolate bar in his pocket. The scientist discovered the mess, and concluded that the microwaves melted the chocolate. After running some more tests, the scientist realized what he had and the microwave oven was born. Another interesting note is that eating chocolate can help people live longer. Apparently eating chocolate two or more times per week will help reduce heart disease. As far-fetched as this sounds, it’s true. Chocolate releases antioxidants, which protect people from some of the agents that can cause heart disease (it may not be an apple a day that keeps the doctor away). In the end all that can be said is that Chocolate is hard to resist.
