If you can’t imagine life without chocolate, consider yourself fortunate not to have been born before the 16th century. Until then, chocolate was exclusive to Mesoamerica and existed in a form vastly different from the sweet treat we enjoy today.
As early as 1900 BCE, the indigenous people of Mesoamerica had mastered the art of preparing cacao beans from the native cacao tree. Historical records reveal that these beans were ground and mixed with cornmeal and chili peppers to create a drink. This concoction was not the comforting hot cocoa we know but a bitter, frothy beverage that invigorated its drinkers.
Chocolate held significant cultural importance for the Mesoamericans. They believed cacao was a divine gift from a feathered serpent god, known as Kukulkan to the Maya and Quetzalcoatl to the Aztecs. The Aztecs even used cacao beans as currency, served chocolate at royal feasts, rewarded soldiers with it, and incorporated it into rituals.
The first encounter between Europeans and chocolate occurred in 1519 when Hernán Cortés visited the court of Moctezuma in Tenochtitlan. According to Cortés’s lieutenant, the king had 50 jugs of the drink served in golden cups. When the colonists returned with shipments of cacao beans, the missionaries’ accounts of native customs gave chocolate a reputation as an aphrodisiac.
Initially, chocolate’s bitter taste made it suitable as a medicinal remedy for ailments like upset stomachs. However, sweetening it with honey, sugar, or vanilla quickly transformed chocolate into a popular delicacy within the Spanish court. Soon, no aristocratic home was complete without dedicated chocolate ware.
The world of chocolate underwent a significant transformation in 1828 with the invention of the cocoa press by Coenraad van Houten of Amsterdam. This innovation allowed for the separation of cocoa’s natural fat, or cocoa butter, leaving a powder that could be mixed into a drinkable solution or recombined to create solid chocolate.
Shortly after, Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter added powdered milk to the mix, thus inventing milk chocolate. By the 20th century, chocolate had transitioned from an elite luxury to a treat accessible to the public. The growing demand necessitated increased cocoa cultivation, which could only occur near the equator.
With the shift of cocoa production to West Africa, particularly Cote d’Ivoire, which supplied two-fifths of the world’s cocoa as of 2015, the industry faced severe human rights abuses. Many plantations in West Africa, supplying Western companies, employed slave and child labor, affecting over 2 million children. Despite efforts by major chocolate companies to partner with African nations to reduce these practices, the problem persists.
Today, chocolate is deeply embedded in modern cultural rituals. Its colonial associations with native cultures, combined with the power of advertising, have imbued chocolate with an aura of sensuality, decadence, and forbidden pleasure. However, understanding its complex and often cruel history, as well as its current production practices, reveals the hidden truths behind these associations.
So, as you unwrap your next bar of chocolate, take a moment to reflect on the fact that not everything about chocolate is sweet.
Research and create a timeline that highlights the key events in the evolution of chocolate, from its ancient origins in Mesoamerica to its modern-day production. Include important dates, figures, and inventions that have shaped the chocolate industry.
Organize a chocolate tasting session where you sample different types of chocolate (dark, milk, white, and any others you can find). Write a short analysis comparing the flavors, textures, and ingredients. Discuss how the addition of sugar, milk, and other ingredients changes the taste and texture of chocolate.
Divide into groups and hold a debate on the ethical issues surrounding chocolate production, particularly focusing on child labor and fair trade practices. Research the current efforts by chocolate companies to address these issues and propose solutions to make chocolate production more ethical.
Create an advertisement for a chocolate product. Use what you’ve learned about the historical and cultural significance of chocolate to make your ad appealing. Consider how chocolate has been marketed in the past and how you can incorporate those elements into your design.
Write a short story that incorporates elements from the history of chocolate. Your story could be set in ancient Mesoamerica, during the European colonization, or in a modern-day setting. Use your imagination to bring the rich history of chocolate to life.
Chocolate – A sweet food made from roasted and ground cacao seeds, often enjoyed as a treat. – Chocolate was first made by ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica, who used it in drinks and ceremonies.
Cacao – The seeds from the cacao tree, which are used to make chocolate. – The cacao beans were so valuable in Mesoamerica that they were often used as currency.
Mesoamerica – A historical region that includes parts of Mexico and Central America, known for its ancient civilizations. – The Mayans and Aztecs were two of the most famous civilizations that thrived in Mesoamerica.
Rituals – Formal ceremonies or actions performed for a specific purpose, often related to religion or culture. – The Aztecs performed rituals to honor their gods, which included offerings and ceremonies.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about history helps us understand how societies have changed over time.
Culture – The beliefs, customs, arts, and social behavior of a particular group of people. – The culture of the Aztecs included unique art, music, and traditions that are still studied today.
Europeans – People from the continent of Europe, especially during the time of exploration and colonization. – Europeans brought new ideas and goods to the Americas, but they also changed the lives of many indigenous people.
Production – The process of creating goods and services, often involving labor and resources. – The production of chocolate has evolved over the years, from small-scale farming to large factories.
Slavery – A system in which people are owned by others and forced to work without pay. – The demand for cacao led to the use of slavery on plantations in the Americas.
Modern – Relating to the present or recent times, often characterized by new ideas and technologies. – In modern times, chocolate is enjoyed worldwide and comes in many different forms and flavors.
