The Story of Chocolate Made from Bitter Cocoa Beans

Cocoa, which has been the drink of gods, kings and nobles for hundreds or even thousands of years, became sweet after it came to Europe and began to cheer the palate of the people. What happened when the bitter cocoa beans grown in one corner of the world were processed and turned into delicious chocolate that you can find even in the markets today?

Coffee, tobacco, tea and even the simplest fruits were special products consumed by the noblest of the region before they were opened to the world. So is chocolate. In fact, chocolate is a dessert that has only been with us for a few centuries. However The history of cocoa, the raw material of chocolate dates back thousands of years. At that time, a bitter drink was made from cocoa beans and served to nobles.

Today’s scientists have proven how beneficial cocoa and chocolate are when processed correctly. These facts were also known to those who lived in the Mesoamerica region thousands of years ago. So, how did this bitter drink suddenly turn into a delicious dessert that adorned the market shelves? Bride Taking a closer look at the history of chocolate and cocoa Let’s explore the world cuisine.

Before chocolate was made, cocoa beans were smoked:

The earliest finds of chocolate or cocoa were found in a 2600-year-old pot. However, the history of chocolate and cocoa is much older, is about 4,000 years old. Thousands of years ago, the Olmec community living in the Mesoamerica region known today as the continent of South America lived together with cocoa trees, but they did not eat the fruits of this tree.

This group, which we now call the Maya Civilization, one day saw an animal eat the fruits of the cocoa tree. In fact, according to legends, that animal plucked the cocoa fruit from its branch just like a human. Ancient people of course used this situation and accepting this fruit as sacred They identified with a feathered serpent god, whom the Mayans called Kukulkan and the Aztecs called Quetzalcoatl.

After that day A special drink began to be made using the beans of the cocoa fruit. This special beverage was consumed by kings, nobles or important guests. It was believed that this cocoa drink, in which different products such as corn flour and hot pepper were added, would give the person both sexual and physical strength and power. Scientific studies conducted today confirm this belief.

Europe’s meeting with cocoa and chocolate:

european chocolate

This beverage, which is made from cocoa beans, has been consumed unknowingly in the Mesoamerican region for hundreds or even thousands of years. Gift of jewelry Until the 16th century this area was discovered by Spanish explorers Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés. These explorers, who were important guests, were served a beverage made from cocoa beans.

Spanish explorers were fascinated by cocoa. When they returned to their country, slaughtering the natives and confiscating their gold, they brought cocoa beans with them and showed everyone how to do it. Cocoa drink called Xocoatl, bitter drink It changed a little in Spain and started to be drunk by adding sugar.

Just like the Mayans, the Spaniards found this drink worthy only for their kings and nobles for many years. Until King of Spain III. Phillip’s daughter, Princess Anne, to the King of France XIII. Until she married Louis. spanish princess, bringing cocoa beans in her dowry He introduced France to cocoa.

Finally, the public meets cocoa and chocolate:

chocolate Factory

Events progressed rapidly after France became acquainted with cocoa beans. Cocoa known in the whole European continent after France It was so loved that cocoa trees began to be planted in European colonies and the already exploited natives began to work in cocoa gardens.

The production of cocoa, which was difficult to process and find until that day, and the Dutch chemist Coenraad Johannes van Houten made a With the invention of the cocoa processing machine After 1828, the European people also met cocoa. This machine produced; He roasted cocoa beans, separating the oil, and turning the rest into the dry cocoa powder we know today.

A British company called JS Fry & Sons succeeded in making solid chocolate for the first time in 1847, bringing the era of cocoa drinking to an end. Another trader named Rodolphe Lindt mixed cocoa butter and cocoa powder. He managed to make much more delicious and fragrant chocolates. Of course, after that means the world of chocolate as we know it.

Chocolate and cocoa in the Ottoman Empire:

Ottoman Empire

It is not known exactly how and when the Turks met with chocolate and cocoa. However, we have an important resource. It was published in the Journal de Constantinople, 1857. In the list of essential items, chocolate and its price, which is quite high for that day, are mentioned.

In the Ottoman Empire, Turks never consumed cocoa as a beverage. Known as Swiss chocolate milk chocolate has always been popular. Although there are many different types such as white and dark chocolate, the most consumed type of chocolate in our country is still milk chocolate. We know the taste of our mouth.

How is chocolate made?

chocolate

To understand the history of chocolate and cocoa, it is necessary to know how these bitter beans turned into a delicious dessert. cocoa trees Begins to bear fruit at the age of 4 and can grow up to 10 meters. are trees. The fruit of the cocoa tree is approximately 35 cm, and the seeds coming out of the fruit are 2.5 cm. About 40 seeds come out of each fruit.

These removed seeds are dried after being kept in the banana peel for a few days. After roasting and processing in factories, cocoa butter and cocoa powder are obtained. It is put into powder and oil which is made into paste by mixing with sugar. After adding flavor enhancing products such as milk, milk powder, vanilla, the chocolate is ready. Today, the most consumed chocolate types in the world are dark, milk, white, filled, praline and ruby.

Delicious sweet chocolate made from bitter cocoa beans We told the story of its arrival to this day and we saw how it came to market shelves when it was the drink of kings. An occasional meal of real chocolate that is not filled with harmful substances such as corn syrup will be beneficial for everyone.


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