The History of Chocolate1500-400 BC

Native to Central and South America cocoa or cacao grew wild. The Olmecs are believed to be the first to cultivate cocoa.

600 BC-800 ADMayans used it for ceremonial rites, festivities and a cure-all.

AD 900Toltec people and the god Quetzalcoatl was exiled for sharing the cocoa bean with ordinary people. Would return as a “fair-skinned, bearded man to save the earth.”

1502First European encountered cocoa…

1518Hernando Cortes to conquer the Aztec empire led by Montezuma.Destruction of the Aztec nation.

During this time chocolate was consumed as a drink, using a metate and metalpili.

1615Anne of Austria, daughter of Spanish royalty, introduced cocoa to France

The nuns of Puebla, Mexico are credited for adding sugar to cocoa…Far more palatable!

1650Makes its way to London, only available to those with money

Became one of the most important medicines in apothecaries. Quakers responsible for turning chocolate more akin to the bars we know today.

Chocolate as we know it1820s

Van Hoeten patented the worlds first cocoa press

1824John Cadbury opened first shop in Birmingham

1875Swiss born Daniel Peter changed chocolate by adding condensed milk made by Henri Nestle.

1879Rudolphe Lindt discovered conching by accident

1909British Quaker Cos persuaded chocolate makers of Europe to boycott Portuguese West African cocoa. Trade moved to Gold and Ivory Coast. Africa now grows 80% of the world’s chocolate.

US is not renowned for fine chocolate, but…

LindtMarcoliniGreen and Black’sAmedeiBonnatBarry Callebaut

Now for the Skinny on ChocolateContains Flavonols

Cardiovascular and antihypertensive effects

Calcium

Calories from fat and carbohydrates

A Closer LookAll have 70 Cals/serving

~15 chips

Fat varies, although white wins with ~80% of cals from fat, whereas milk and dark have ~65%

ConclusionsChocolate is not a health food in the strict

sense of the term, but it can increase quality of life.

Can get flavonols (and other vitamins and minerals) from many fruits and vegetables, e.g.: grapes, cherries, berries, broccoli, kale

Study on ‘dessert pouch’

CocoaVia, omega-3s added

Enjoy the Chocolate!