Chocolate is loved by people of all ages, but have you ever wondered how it came to be?
The story starts in the rainforests of Central and South America, where ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs first cultivated cacao. They used cacao beans to make a bitter, frothy drink.
When Spanish explorers brought cacao to Europe in the 16th century, it was sweetened with sugar and cinnamon, evolving into a luxury beverage. By the 19th century, the industrial revolution led to key innovations, such as the cocoa press and the invention of milk chocolate, making it more accessible to the masses.
Today, chocolate is made by harvesting cacao pods, fermenting and roasting the beans, then processing them into cocoa powder and butter. After refining, the chocolate is molded into bars we enjoy today.