Mexican ancient national drink. History of chocolate

Many do not imagine their life without delicious and fragrant hot chocolate. But no one knows exactly where and when this drink appeared. It is known that the delicacy was made from the fruit of a cocoa tree about three thousand years ago. According to the information, hot chocolate is a Mexican ancient national drink. His story is very interesting.

Who was the first

I agree with some historical data, the first taste of chocolate tried the Indians of the Mayan tribe, who lived on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. However, they used it in a cold form. First they roasted cocoa beans, and then mixed them with water. The drink was also added with chili. It's hard to call delicacy. After all, the ready-made drink was very bitter and sharp.

The fruits of the cocoa tree and chocolate have gradually become very valuable products. As a result, they were equated to the food of the gods. This is due to the fact that the Maya tribe did not grow trees that yield expensive fruits. Cocoa beans were small, not everyone had the opportunity to try a wonderful drink.

Valuable fruits

Mexican ancient folk drink from cocoa beans began to cook not immediately. Bitter fruit gradually turned into a currency. For 100 beans of a tree of cocoa it was possible to get a slave. If the calculation was very large, then as a payment not one fruit was brought in, but whole pods.

The development of the history of chocolate began when the Aztec tribe appeared. It was at this time that the Mexican ancient national drink appeared. By the way, the name of the delicacy appeared as a result of a combination of two words: cocoa and water. However, chocolate did not cease to be considered a drink of the elite. It could only be used by tribal leaders and priests. They drank chocolate from golden vessels decorated with precious stones. Changes occurred in the composition of the drink. In the chocolate began to add sweet juice of agave, vanilla, honey and grains of dairy corn.

Chocolate in Europe

Mexican ancient folk drink in the XVI century could taste the Europeans. This event opened a new page in the history of chocolate. Hernando Cortés was at that time not only an associate of the great seafarer Christopher Columbus, but also a popularizer of an amazing drink in Europe. He was the first to appreciate the delicate shades and exquisite notes of this original exotic delicacy.

After a while, among the Spanish aristocracy, hot chocolate became very popular. The drink was very tasty and extraordinary. However, its composition again underwent some changes. In a delicacy began to add nutmeg, cinnamon and cane sugar. This greatly influenced the taste of delicacies.

Already in the XVII century hot chocolate became a popular drink in all the royal courts of Europe. However, the cost of this delicacy was very high. Only women of royal blood could afford chocolate. Gradually appeared the plantation of cocoa. As a result, the drink became more affordable.

The first tiles

What do chocolate, everyone knows. However, many do not even realize that this delicacy has long been used only in liquid form. Chocolate in the form of tiles appeared in the early 19 th century. It was at this time that the hydraulic press was invented , which allowed to extract oil from cocoa beans. The first tile of this delicacy was created by the Swiss - Francois Louis Caye. After a while, its technology was borrowed by larger enterprises across Europe.

Gradually, new ways of preparing amazing delicacies were created. In particular, the composition of chocolate changed. The recipe for treats has undergone many changes. In the chocolate began to add wine, spices, various sweets, including raisins, nuts, vanilla, candied fruits, as well as beer.

The new kind

What makes chocolate in our time is not a secret. In addition to cocoa butter, milk is added to it. For the first time this component was included in the composition of the delicacy by another Swiss confectioner Daniel Peter. At that time, milk chocolate was a fundamentally new variety.

To prepare a treat it took a new component. It was milk powder. He was supplied by businessman Henri Nestle. It is worth noting that after a while they created a company. It was called "Nestle." And it was she who received the first patent for the production of chocolate.

Nowadays

The cuisine of Mexico is unique. It has its own characteristics. Some of its dishes have undergone many changes and have spread all over the world. Among them - chocolate. The procession of this delicacy all over the world continues to this day. Today it is made by many companies. The color of this chocolate depends on its composition. The more cocoa butter in it, the darker it is. In addition, dairy fats were added to the delicacy. They also influenced the color of the final product.

Nowadays we have learned to add vitamins, useful trace elements and substances to chocolate, as well as various spices, spices and sweet additives. Delicacies began to do with liquid and fruit fillings, with alcohol and with nuts, corn flakes and even with salt. The assortment of chocolate has increased significantly.

The main types of chocolate

At the moment, three main types of chocolate are made: white, milk and black. Each of them has its own peculiarities. For example, black chocolate has a characteristic bitterish taste. It is because of this that it is often called bitter. It should be noted that such a delicacy has useful properties, as well as a tonic effect.

Milk chocolate is more delicate, sweet and mild. In addition, it is much lighter. The composition of such treats include milk fats, which are useful for a growing body. Therefore, it is often released in the form for children.

As for white chocolate, there are no cocoa beans in its composition. Therefore, the delicacy does not have a characteristic color. The main component of this chocolate is cocoa bean oil. It is almost tasteless and has a fragrance. Add sugar and milk to the treat. It is these components that make it taste.

In conclusion

So, how did the chocolate come about? Mexico is the birthplace of this amazing delicacy, which has many useful properties. Many do not even realize that chocolate is an excellent antidepressant. The use of it stimulates the production of the "happiness hormone". Many historians claim that the daughter of the Spanish king, Anna, married to Louis XIII, brought with her chocolate made in her homeland. This dainty she used as a means of nostalgia and loneliness. Of course, over a thousand years of history, chocolate has changed a lot. In its composition began to add not always useful to humans stuff. However, to refuse chocolate is very difficult. And if you want, you can always find a quality product on the shelves.