History of Chocolate - Who Invented This Tasty Treat?
Who was the inventor of chocolate? Well, you could give credit to many people, from the Olmec, Maya and Aztec civilizations that discovered the cacao bean, to the Dutch inventor who created a press to make cocoa powder, to the Englishman who invented the world's first eating chocolate. And then there are all the other chocolate inventions that have followed.
A Short History of Chocolate
Who invented chocolate? Many people can claim credit for various steps along the way
The history of chocolate dates back to early Mesoamerican civilizations. As early as 1500 BC, the Olmec Indians were growing cacao beans. The Mayans and Aztecs also grew cacao and developed chocolate drinks.
Christopher Columbus can claim the credit for being the first person to bring cocoa beans to Europe in the early 1500s, and chocolate drinks became popular in Spain. But it wasn't until nearly 100 years later that the flavor spread to other parts of Europe.
Chocolate Spreads Across Europe
In 1657, a Frenchman opened the first chocolate house in London. The shop was called the The Coffee Mill and Tobacco Roll, and due to the cost of the drink, chocolate was a beverage that could only be enjoyed by the upper class.
Chocolate's popularity continued to grow, however, and by 1674, it had become an ingredient used in cakes and rolls.
The spread and production of chocolate reached another milestone in 1732, when Monsieur Dubuisson of France invented a table mill that could grind chocolate.
Joseph Fry of Bristol, England, made the next major leap, with the invention of a steam engine for grinding the beans. This allowed chocolate to be manufactured on a larger scale. Fry & Sons (which would later merge with Cadbury) can also claim one of the most important inventions in the history of chocolate - the modern chocolate bar in 1847 (although Cadbury's web site says, "by today's standards these original chocolate bars would not be considered very palatable.")
Before Fry & Sons could create the chocolate bar, however, Dutchman Conrad J. van Houten invented a hydraulic press in 1929 that was used to create cocoa powder. Today this process is known as "Dutching."
From there, chocolate took off. Richard Cadbury is said to have created the first known heart-shaped box for Valentine's Day in 1861, and Daniel Peters of Switzerland produced the first milk chocolate bar in 1875, using powdered milk that had been invented by Henri Nestle a few years earlier.
Rudolphe Lindt kept things moving by inventing a process called "conching," which improved chocolate by making it more blendable.
Now it's everywhere!
Now chocolate comes in all flavors (milk, dark, white), with nuts, caramels, cherries and all other kinds of goodies, in cakes, pies, and cookies, and in all shapes and sizes, from bite-size pieces to monster-sized chocolates shaped like Santa, the Easter Bunny or other creatures. You can find chocolate fountains, chocolate fondue, and cookbooks devoted to nothing but chocolate. It's everywhere!
And to think it all started with a simple little bean...
Who Invented the Heart-Shaped Chocolate Valentine's Box?
Credit goes to Richard Cadbury, son of the founder of Cadbury Limited
Thanks to Mr. Cadbury, 36 million heart-shaped boxes are now sold every year in the United States alone, according to MSN.
Another Great Invention: The Chocolate Chip Cookie
A round of applause for Ruth Graves Wakefield, inventor of the Toll House chocolate chip cookie
Like many great inventions, the chocolate chip cookie was created by accident.Ruth Wakefield, a dietician-turned innkeeper, was baking cookies for guests at her Toll House lodge in Massachusetts when she discovered she didn't have baker's chocolate. So she substituted a semi-sweet chocolate candy bar cut into little pieces. But, unlike the baker's chocolate, the candy bar didn't melt completely. She had inadvertently created the world's first chocolate chip cookie.
The resulting creation became popular at the inn, and soon Ruth's recipe was printed in several New England newspapers. The cookie was a hit. As the new chocolate chip cookie's popularity soared, so did sales of the Nestle semi-sweet chocolate bar used in the cookies, and eventually Ruth Wakefield and Nestle reached an agreement that allowed the company to print the Toll House cookie recipe on the label of Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate bar. As part of the agreement, Ruth received a lifetime supply of chocolate for baking her famous cookies.
Too bad all accidents don't turn out this well, eh?
The Toll House Cookie Recipe
The chocolate chip cookie recipe that started it all
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
More About Chocolate Chip Cookies
The inventor of chocolate chip cookies, recipes and more
- Inventor of the Week - Ruth Wakefield
- Ruth Graves Wakefield invented one of the world's favorite treats: the chocolate chip cookie.
- NESTLE VeryBestBaking.com - Original Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Official Nestle site with the Toll House cookie recipe
Chocolate Trivia
Fun facts about chocolate
- Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to John Adams in 1875 declaring chocolate to be superior to coffee and tea
- Africa is now the world's leading producer of cacao beans
- It would take 875,00 chocolate chip cookies to provide one adult with the energy to walk around the world, according to the Godiva website
- The largest chocolate bar ever manufactured weighed 5,026 lbs and was exhibited by Elah-Dufour United Food Companies at Eurochocolate in Turin, Italy in March 2000
- Napoleon reportedly carried chocolate with him on his military missions
- Chocolate syrup was used for blood in the famous shower seen in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" movie
Hershey's Chocolate KISSES Fondue Set
Hershey's Gold Kiss Dessert Fondue Maker
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
This fondue set is based on the familiar Hershey's KISSES design. It's great for chocolate fondue recipes, and can also be used as a candy dish. It's also available in silver or red.
Books About Chocolate
Essence of Chocolate: Recipes for Baking and Cooking with Fine Chocolate
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 07/13/2009)
The True History of Chocolate, Second Edition
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/13/2009)
Like Water for Chocolate: A Novel in Monthly Installments with Recipes, Romances, and Home Remedies
Amazon Price: $10.94 (as of 07/13/2009)
Chocolates and Confections: Formula, Theory, and Technique for the Artisan Confectioner
Amazon Price: $40.95 (as of 07/13/2009)
I'm Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas
Amazon Price: $17.43 (as of 07/13/2009)
Personalized Chocolates
Now there's a great invention!
Well, the chocolate bar has already been invented, but that doesn't mean you can't create your own chocolate masterpiece. If you're looking for a gift for a chocoholic, check out the personalized photo gift boxes at Dan's Chocolates. Or if you want to make a bigger statement, get a 1 lb. personalized chocolate bar at Personal Creations. You can choose from several occasions and add a one-line personalized message.At iPrint, you can also order a box of 16 truffles with a personalized chocolate card.
Chocolate of the Month Club
The ultimate gift for chocolate lovers
Heavenly Chocolate of the Month Club - 3 months
Amazon Price: $89.85 (as of 07/13/2009)
Get gourmet hand-dipped chocolates delivered to your door every month! Choose from two- to twelve-month clubs.
The World's Tallest Chocolate Fountain
Where else but Vegas would you find the world's largest chocolate fountain?
Las Vegas is the Capital of Excess and Extreme. So it makes sense that Sin City should be home to the world's tallest chocolate fountain. The fountain is a floor-to-ceiling masterpiece located in the Bellagio.According to a Bellagio press release, "Displaying a spectacular series of melted chocolate cascades, this first-of-its-kind spectacle is the tallest chocolate fountain in the world. Designed by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury and Norwood and Antonia Oliver Design Associates, Inc., the fountain took a year and a half in planning and design.
The result is a genius work of kinetic sculpture and a daring feat of engineering. Standing 27-feet tall, the masterpiece circulates nearly two tons of melted dark, milk and white chocolate at a rate of 120 quarts per minute."
Chocolate worshippers have found their temple.
(Photo from Flickr)
Buy Chocolate Fountains Online
Smaller than the Bellagio fountain and just right for your home
Rival CFF4 2-Pound-Capacity Chocolate Fondue Fountain
Amazon Price: $45.31 (as of 07/13/2009)
Nostalgia RFF-500 Retro Chocolate Fountain with Plastic Tower
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Wilton Chocolate Pro¿ Fountain
Amazon Price: $87.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Signature Foods, Caramel Fondue, Made for Chocolate Fountains and Fondue!, 88-Ounce Tub
Amazon Price: $20.38 (as of 07/13/2009)
Chocolate Gift Basket
Treat yourself or a loved one!
Chocolate Delights: Gourmet Chocolate Gift Basket
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
This gift basket contains a wonderful assortment of gourmet chocolates, candies and cookies, including Lindt and Ghirardelli chocolates, Belgian truffles, kettle fudge, butter cookies, malt balls, and other goodies in a dark cherry-stained basket. Enjoy!
What's a Cacao Bean (or Cocoa Bean) Look Like Anyway?
Glad you asked. These photos from Flickr have the answer.
cacao seed pod
The second most important thing in the world because chocolate comes from cacao ...
Touring Theo chocolate company in Fremont's old Red Hook Brewery building.
Gifts for Chocolate Lovers
Vote on your favorite!
Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Basket
This fantastic gift basket is a surefire hit! Thes more...0 points
I'm Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas by Marcel Desaulniers
This fantastic gift basket is a surefire hit! Thes more...0 points
Bodum Chocolatiere Glass Hot Chocolate Maker/Frother
Considering people's love affair with chocolate, w more...0 points
2.2 Pounds of Chocolate Truffles - French Truffles - Holiday Chocolates - Christmas Candy - 1 Box
<p>Amazon's #1 seller in Gourmet Products fo more...0 points
CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT BUTTER
A Luscious Nut Butter Spread Perfect With Fresh Fr more...0 points
Casino Milk Chocolate Poker Chips Four Row Gift Box
Casino Chocolate Poker Chips Gift Rack is milk cho more...0 points
Milk Chocolate Cross
Celebrate the holiday season with this beautiful m more...0 points
Helen Grace Chocolates, Milk Chocolate Caramel Almond Clusters, 8.5 oz. Gift Box
Fresh-roasted California almonds & creamy cara more...0 points
Unique Chocolate Gifts
Give personalized candy or romantic chocolate gifts
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Romantic Valentines Chocolate Gift ideas
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Looking for a Valentine's gift? If your special someone is a chocoholic, surprise him or her with a romantic Valentine's chocolate gift. From chocolate dipped wine and strawberries, to chocolate roses and games, these tasty gifts are sure to be a hit...
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Personalized Chocolate Candy Gifts
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Tired of giving the same old gifts? Try personalized candy for a sweet treat your gift recipients will love! From personalized M&Ms to personalized candy bars, there's something here for every chocoholic.
Show Off Your Love of Chocolate
Get a chocolate lover's T-shirt or other gifts for chocolate lovers at CafePress
What's the Best Kind of Chocolate?
Vegan Chocolate
Because vegans shouldn't miss out on one of the world's best inventions
Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookie Chocolate Chunk, Vegan, 3-Ounce Individually Wrapped Cookies (Pack of 12)
Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 07/13/2009)
Organic Vegan Chocolate Bar Assortment
Amazon Price: $8.00 (as of 07/13/2009)
Chocolate Photos
Chocolate pics that look almost good enough to eat
Julia Child or Lucy...
0951 layer cake
0935 ross' cake
Thomas Haas 73 choco...
Dough-Nuts about cof...
chocolate cake
chocolate coffee
Like Oregano For Cho...
Like Oregano For Cho...
Like Oregano For Cho...
Turn Yourself Into An M&M
Here's a chocolate invention you can create yourself
Internet marketers are a creative group, and the folks at M&M have turned that creativity into a fun little website called BecomeAnMM.com. As the name suggests, this site lets you create your own personalized M&M character. Now you don't have to settle for loving chocolate. You can reinvent yourself in chocolate. More About the History of Chocolate
Links to other sites that explore the world of chocolate history
- Exploratorium Magazine - Chocolate Invades Europe
- Exploratorium offers a brief history of chocolate
- About.com - The History of Chocolate: Culture of the Cocoa Bean
- The history of chocolate and cocoa beans.
- Cadbury.co.uk - History Of Chocolate: First Chocolate For Eating
- Cadbury discusses the development of solid chocolate as we know it today
- ABout.com - The History of Chocolate Chip Cookies: Ruth Wakefield
- Who invented chocolate chip cookies? Learn more about Ruth Wakefield, the inventor of these delicious desserts.
- fieldmuseum.org - All About Chocolate: History of Chocolate
- Follow the history of chocolate from the discovery of the cacao bean 2000 years ago to the development of everyone's favorite sweet.
- The Hershey Company - History of Hershey
- Discover how one man turned chocolate into North America's largest candy company.
- 08 Chocolate History
- Chocolate History Timeline
- CuisineNet Digest: A Chocolate Timeline
- A Chocolate Timeline
Chocoholics, speak out!
Love chocolate? Then let us know you were here
(Note: HTML has been turned off due to spamming. I apologize to all the legitimate Squidoo lensmasters who might have had a relevant link to add here.)
BigJackB
Nice lens!! I love chocolate and this lens is making my mouth water
Posted July 02, 2009
italianheart92 wrote...
Great lens! The M&M creator is cute and everything here is just so amazing! Great job! :D
Posted June 29, 2009
RedWiner wrote...
It is totally cool to know where the old boys like Lindt and cadbury started.
Great lens.
Posted June 02, 2009
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Congratulations!
This lens is now featured on The Totally Awesome Lenses home page.
Lizzy
Posted April 13, 2009
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Congratulations!
This lens is not featured on The Totally Awesome Lenses home page.
Posted April 11, 2009
BevsPaper wrote...
Love chocolate, love your lens! Great facts that I didn't know.
Posted April 05, 2009
lamabeans wrote...
I like the lens. Actually I'm writing an article about chocolate at the moment and making another lens. I'm hoping we could like them up... if you like what i have to say!
Posted March 09, 2009
stirtime wrote...
O0oo yes I love my chocolate, I just wanted to lick the lens...lol
Posted January 10, 2009
About the Author
Lensmaster lisadh, aka Lisa Howard, has been a member since July 23 2007, has rated 629 lenses, favorited 83, and has created 175 lenses from scratch. Lisa Howard donates their royalties to Action Against Hunger and A Day of Hope. This member's top-ranked page is "Free Summer Movies for Kids". See all my lenses
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