Here's a quick recap of the history of chocolate. And correct, Meredith never knows how to pronounce anything. It's all good:
Chocolate’s history dates back over 3,000 years to Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico and Central America). The Olmecs (1500-400 BCE) were likely the first to cultivate cacao and use it for ceremonial drinks. Later, the Mayans and Aztecs adopted cacao, turning it into a bitter, spiced beverage called “xocoatl,” often mixed with chili, vanilla, and honey. The Aztecs valued cacao so highly that they used cacao beans as currency.
In the early 1500s, Spanish explorers, including Hernán Cortés, brought cacao to Spain. The Spanish sweetened the bitter drink with sugar and cinnamon, making it a luxury for the elite. Over the next century, chocolate spread across Europe, becoming a favorite among royalty, including King Louis XIV of France.
By the 19th century, advancements in processing made chocolate more accessible:
By the 20th century, major brands like Hershey’s (1900), Cadbury, and Mars made chocolate widely available, mass producing chocolate bars, truffles, and confections.
Today, chocolate remains one of the world’s most beloved treats, evolving into a multibillion-dollar industry with artisanal and ethical chocolate production gaining popularity.
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From our other podcast, the book: Anxiety Makes Me Poop, Too: https://a.co/d/3eDNUzn
