According to livescience.com, chocolate is a fruit produced from the cacao tree, also known as Theobroma cacao. The raw and unprocessed chocolate tastes sour and dry. However, chocolate also got its own variants like fermented, dried, or roasted to get more sugary and cream tastes heavenly.
People all over the world enjoy the decadent taste of chocolate both alone and in a wide variety of foods. More than half of the chocolate we consume comes from West African countries, mainly Ghana and Côte d`Ivoire.
They are made from a tree that can only grow in tropical climates, it produces nuts which then are processed. Although the cocoa tree is native to Central and South America, in the 18th century the European invaders of chocolate Sophie D. Coe and Michael D. Coe discovered that. Today, around 80% of the world's cocoa production comes from Ghana, Côte d`Ivoire, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Brazil.
According to the World Chocolate Atlas, the trees produce fruit roughly the size and shape of a soccer ball. The size is around 50 sour seeds that were filled in the lumpy fruits or pods, and the beans are covered with white pulp.
The pods are hand-picked, sliced to remove the cocoa beans, placed in covered bowls, and left to ferment for several days. After fermentation, the beans are uncovered and dried. The beans are then taken to a chocolate factory where they are washed and cleaned of residue.
Beans are roasted in a large rotating oven. Roasting brings out the flavors and frees the beans from their skins. Roasted beans enter a sieving machine that splits the beans and removes the shells. The rest of the beans are called the nib, which is edible chocolate. The nibs are ground to the bottom under a series of rollers to create a thick paste known as chocolate liquor.
Chocolate has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Evidence for its use dates back to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, where the cacao tree was cultivated. The Maya and Aztecs believed chocolate had medicinal and spiritual properties and was often used in religious ceremonies and as currency.
The Maya civilization ground cocoa beans into a paste, mixed it with water, and flavored it with chilies, honey, and other spices to create a frothy drink called "xocolatl." This drink was consumed by the upper classes and was considered a luxury item.
The Aztecs also consumed chocolate in the form of a frothy drink called "cacahuatl", made by grinding cocoa beans with cornmeal and water and flavoring them with spices and honey. The Aztecs believed chocolate would give strength and vitality, and was often consumed by warriors before battle.
Chocolate was prized and used as currency by the Aztecs, and cocoa beans were traded throughout the empire. In fact, one cocoa bean can buy a turkey, and 100 cocoa beans can buy a slave.
The use of chocolate eventually spread to Europe and was introduced by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Originally consumed as a drink by the wealthy, chocolate was not consumed in solid form until the 18th century.
We also have more printable easter you may like:
Printable Easter Bunny Tails
Easter Bunny Tails Printable
Happy Easter Gift Tags Printables
Chocolate has grown to be a famous part of Easter celebrations in lots of cultures across the world. Today, there are many types and styles of chocolate that are popular with people around the world. Despite its evolution over time, chocolate's rich history and cultural significance are still appreciated and celebrated.
One theory is that Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, so the chocolate egg became a symbol of new life and resurrection. In Christian tradition, Easter eggs represent the empty tomb after Jesus' resurrection and are a symbol of new life. Chocolate eggs in particular have become a popular way to celebrate this aspect of the holiday.
Another theory suggests that the tradition of giving chocolates on Easter may have originated from the ancient custom of giving eggs as gifts during spring festivals. It is a symbol of the beginning of spring. Over time, this tradition may have developed into chocolate eggs, which became a common way to celebrate the holidays.
Whatever its origin, the chocolate tradition of Easter has become a popular part of the holiday for many. It is often given as a gift or enjoyed as a special treat during Easter celebrations. Historically, fine chocolate falls into three main categories:
Chocolate is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used to make a variety of sweets and desserts. You can use chocolate to make various delicious dishes such as truffles, cake, brownies, mousse, fondue, and cookies.