Designer Chocolates

History of Chocolate

Chocolate was discovered over 3000 years ago by the Aztecs of Mexico. It is believed that Chocolate was first noted in 1519 when Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez visited the court of Emperor Montezuma of Mexico. Native to lowland, tropical South America, cacao has been cultivated for at least three millenniums in Central America and Mexico, with its earliest documented use around 1100 BC. The majority of the Meso-American people made chocolate beverages and made drinks out of chocolate. The first use of cacao is said to have been at a site in Puerto Escondido, Honduras, dating from about 1100 to 1400 BC. In 1765 chocolate was first introduced to the United States by an Irishman named John Hanan. American candy maker James Baker and John made the first American chocolate mill in 1780. They then started producing chocolates for the public. Americans had fallen in love with chocolates and so their business began to take off. Now, everybody is in love with chocolate and obsessed with chocolates. Chocolates have become a perfect gift idea because there are lot of chocolate lovers in this world.

Manufacturing Process of Chocolate

Chocolate is made from the beans of Cocoa. From the cocoa bean pods the beans are separated after fermentation. These beans are cleansed and then blown in a process to remove foreign particles and husk. Then the kernel of the seeds is broken in small bits which are called nibs. These nibs are ground finely to obtain what is called cocoa liquor. The liquor when crystallized produces the dark chocolate which is the mother of virtually all other chocolates that are prepared.

Chocolates as a Gift Idea

Eating chocolates can lead to an improved mood. Whether it is a birthday, wedding, valentine's day, mother's day, father's day, Christmas, Easter or any other occasion, chocolates are perfect gift as they are loved by the giver and receiver both. When we are thinking of sending a perfect gift to our loved one on a special occasion, one thing always comes in the mind and that is chocolate. Chocolates can be gifted on parents' anniversary, chocolates can be gifted to a girl friend on valentines' day or you can also wish a friend good luck for his exams with a pack full of attractive assorted chocolates. Chocolates can bring a smile to everybody's face. A box full of chocolates for children can be an ideal gift.

Source : articlesbase