Chocolate

Chocolate is one of humanity's most beloved foods, with a history stretching back 4,000 years. It originates from the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao — meaning "food of the gods"), native to the tropical Americas. The ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations consumed cacao as a bitter beverage, a currency, and in religious ceremonies. Aztec emperor Montezuma reportedly drank 50 cups of chocolate daily. When Spanish conquistadors brought cacao to Europe in the 16th century, it was sweetened and quickly became fashionable among the aristocracy. The transformation from luxury beverage to mass-market solid chocolate came with industrialization. Coenraad van Houten developed the cocoa press in 1828; Cadbury introduced the first chocolate bar in 1847; Milk Chocolate was perfected by Henri Nestlé and Daniel Peter in 1875. Today, the global chocolate industry is worth over $130 billion annually. The average American eats about 4.5 kg of chocolate per year; the Swiss and Germans consume even more.