Mexican ancient folk drink. History of chocolate

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Many people cannot imagine their life without delicious 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 an ancient Mexican drink. His story is very interesting.

Who was the first

According to some historical data, the Maya Indians, who lived on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, were the first to taste chocolate. However, they consumed it cold. They first roasted cocoa beans and then mixed them with water. Chili peppers were also added to the drink. It's hard to call it a delicacy. After all, the finished drink was very bitter and spicy.

The fruits of the cocoa tree and chocolate have gradually become 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 few, not everyone had the opportunity to try a wonderful drink.

Valuable fruits

Mexican ancient folk drink made from cocoa beans began to be prepared notstraightaway. Bitter fruits gradually turned into currency. For 100 cocoa beans, you could buy a slave. If the calculation was very large, then as payment they brought 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 delicacy appeared as a result of combining two words: cocoa and water. However, chocolate did not cease to be considered a drink of the elite. Only tribal leaders and priests could use it. They drank chocolate from golden vessels adorned with precious stones. Changes have occurred in the composition of the drink. Sweet agave juice, vanilla, honey and milk corn grains have been added to chocolate.

Chocolate in Europe

Mexican ancient folk drink in the 16th century Europeans were able to taste. 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 delicacy.

After some time, hot chocolate became very popular among the Spanish aristocracy. The drink was very tasty and extraordinary. However, its composition has again undergone some changes. Nutmeg, cinnamon and cane sugar were added to the delicacy. This greatly influenced the taste of the delicacy.

Already in the 17th century, hot chocolate becamea popular drink in all the royal courts of Europe. However, the cost of this delicacy was very high. Only roy alty could afford chocolate. Gradually, cocoa plantations appeared. As a result, the drink has become more affordable.

First tiles

Everyone knows what chocolate is made of. However, many do not even realize that this delicacy has long been consumed only in liquid form. Chocolate bars appeared in the early 19th century. It was at this time that the hydraulic press was invented, which made it possible to extract cocoa butter from beans. The first tile of this delicacy was created by the Swiss - Francois Louis Kaye. After some time, his technology was adopted by larger enterprises throughout Europe.

Slowly, new ways of preparing amazing treats were created. In particular, the composition of chocolate has changed. The recipe for the delicacy has undergone many changes. Wine, spices, various sweets, including raisins, nuts, vanilla, candied fruits, and beer began to be added to chocolate.

New look

What chocolate is made of nowadays is not a secret. In addition to cocoa butter, milk is added to it. For the first time, this component was introduced into the composition of the delicacy by another Swiss confectioner, Daniel Peter. At the time, milk chocolate was a brand new variety.

A new ingredient was needed to make the delicacy. It was milk powder. It was supplied by the entrepreneur Henri Nestle. It should be noted that afterfor some time he created a company. She was called Nestle. And it was she who received the first patent for the production of chocolate.

Today

Mexican cuisine 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 delicacy 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 began to be added to the delicacy. They also influenced the color of the final product.

In our time, we have learned to add vitamins, useful trace elements and substances, as well as all kinds of spices, spices and sweet additives to chocolate. Delicacies began to be made with liquid and fruit fillings, with alcohol and with nuts, corn flakes and even s alt. The assortment of chocolate has increased significantly.

Basic varieties of chocolate

Currently, there are three main types of chocolate: 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 it is often called bitter. It is worth noting that such a delicacy has beneficial properties, as well as a tonic effect.

Milk chocolate has a more delicate, sweet and mild taste. Plus it's much lighter. The composition of such a delicacy includes milk fats, which are useful for a growing organism. Therefore it is oftenissued in the form for children.

As for white chocolate, it does not contain cocoa beans. Therefore, the delicacy does not have a characteristic color. The main component of such chocolate is cocoa butter. It is practically tasteless and has an aroma. Powdered sugar and milk are added to the delicacy. It is these components that give it taste.

Finally

So how did chocolate come about? Mexico is the birthplace of 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 the millennia of history, chocolate has changed a lot. Substances that are not always useful for humans were added to its composition. However, giving up chocolate is very difficult. And if you wish, you can always find a quality product on the shelves.