Some of the lesser known Facts
- Chocolate is made from cacao beans, which are native to Central and South America.
- Chocolate was originally used as a currency by the Aztecs.
- The word "chocolate" comes from the Aztec word "xocolatl", meaning "bitter water". The Mayans called the drink “chocolhaa” (“bitter water”) and Aztecs called it “Xocolatl.”
- Apparently, Hernán Cortés brought chocolate to Spain in 1528 through his explorations.
- Anne of Austria, daughter of Spanish King Phillip III, brought chocolate to the royal courts of France to celebrate the marriage of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. As a result, France tasted chocolate for the first time.
- Chocolate was consumed by royalty and the upper class for both its health benefits and its decadence. Until the 1800s, chocolate was not considered a sweet treat.
If this interests you, please check our blog section later for part two.