July 7
It is believed that chocolate first came to Europe on this day, July 7, in 1550
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Which give off its distinct aroma. In comparison, red wine is reported to only have around 200 flavor compounds.
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Chocolate's 4,000-year history began in ancient Mesoamerica, present day Mexico. It's here that the first cacao plants were found. The Olmec, one of the earliest civilizations in Latin America, were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate.
Photo: EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA
Etymologists trace the origin of the word "chocolate" to the Aztec word "xocoatl," which referred to a bitter drink brewed from cacao beans. The Latin name for the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, means "food of the gods."
Chocolate is made from cacao, which comes from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. This species of tree thrives in tropical rainforests in Central and South America.
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The first solid chocolate bar put into production was made by J. S. Fry & Sons of Bristol, England in 1847. Cadbury began producing one in 1849. A filled chocolate bar, Fry's Chocolate Cream, was released in 1866.
There are three main types of chocolate — white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate.
Photo: Anete Lusina