The discovery of chocolate can be traced back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, specifically the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. It was with the help of these civilizations that the cacao tree was first cultivated, harvested and consumed. In these early civilizations chocolate was often consumed in the form of a bitter beverage during religious ceremonies and important social gatherings. Though when we think about chocolate we usually think of bars, or solid forms of chocolate these indigenous people consumed it at the most basic level. “The very first people to use chocolate were the Olmec who inhabited what is southeast Mexico today. ​​The Olmec civilization not only played a crucial part in the cultivation of chocolate but from the Olmec civilization we also gained the term “cacao” believed to have originated from the word "kakawa".”(“History of Chocolate”) Without the Olmec civilization chocolate may never have become such a major player in the food industry, and may never have been named chocolate at all. “The Olmec around 1900 BCE and, enjoyed as a drink, it was drunk from special round jars known as tecomates. The Maya used tall cylinder beakers for drinking chocolate, and these very often had text on the rim indicating their intended use. The Aztecs also had richly decorated tall cups specifically reserved for chocolate drinks.” (Cartwright) This is interesting as even today people use specific cups (mugs) to drink hot chocolate. Though we use mugs instead of other cups as a way to not burn our hands with the hot liquid I cannot help but see the similarity. Perhaps the Aztecs decorated cups had more than one purpose while consuming their chocolate drinks.

The Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs, believed cacao and the drinks they created out of the seeds were more than just a culinary item or a exotic drink. Chocolate was considered a pathway to the gods to these three civilizations, making chocolate incredibly valuable. The Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs all believed that cacao seeds had spiritual significance, and that it could help someone communicate with the gods. They often used and consumed it in liquid form because it was seen as a sacred elixir that possessed divine properties. These civilizations believed that cacao seeds had these divine properties because they believed that cacao seeds were a gift from the gods. With these beliefs deeply instilled in these civilizations chocolate became incredibly important to these civilizations and their way of life. (Dreiss and Greenhill) “Despite chocolate’s importance in Mayan culture, it wasn’t reserved for the wealthy and powerful, but was readily available to almost everyone. In many Mayan households, chocolate was enjoyed with every meal. Mayan chocolate was thick and frothy and often combined with chili peppers, honey or water.” (“Cocoa Beans & Xocolatl”) Chocolate being readily available would disappear as the years went on, however, this would not be the last time that chocolate was considered to have special properties. Around the world chocolate would take on new forms of symbolism such as love, and luxury. 

The chocolate that we know and love today is made out of cacao beans, and harvested in a similar process to the way that the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs used four thousand years ago. “When cacao beans are harvested they are encased in a sticky white pulp inside the fruit of the cacao pod. There are almost 2000 pods per year  produced by a single tree. The beans are harvested twice a year from the pods, and then go through a fermentation process that lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The beans are fermented in earthen pits or wooden bins covered with banana leaves. It's during this fermentation process that the bean darkens in color and loses some of its bitter flavor.” (“History of Chocolate”) After this process the beans are ready to be turned into chocolate. Starting out as a simple seed cacao has changed the human experience by weaving its way into our everyday life. Without chocolate integrating itself into our lives the world’s food would be less connected and we would have missed out on sharing each other's cultures, and innovations.

Cacao beans started their global expansion by making their way to Europe with the help of the Columbian exchange.“The Columbian Exchange refers to the exchange of diseases, ideas, food crops, and populations between the New World and the Old World crops, following the voyage to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492.” (Nunn and Qian) The Columbian Exchange facilitated the transfer of cacao beans to Europe where chocolate was adapted and eventually transformed into new forms. The Columbian Exchange also aided the adaptation of cultural nuances surrounding chocolate. It is unclear who actually discovered chocolate and then brought it to Europe with the help of the Columbian Exchange as there are many different tales about who was the first. Some claim that it was the Spaniards that brought chocolate back from Mesoamerica. “The significance of chocolate made drinking the stuff an essential part of diplomacy for Spaniards negotiating with Mesoamerican officials. Many Spaniards eventually developed a taste for it.” (“How Chocolate Came to Europe”) Leading them to bring it back to their home lands. Despite who was responsible for bringing chocolate to Europe they could not have expected the enthusiastic welcome that all of Europe gave this new exotic drink. Chocolate, which was originally consumed as a bitter beverage by Old World indigenous civilizations, dramatically changed in Europe, where it became associated with luxury, and the consumer's social status. This cultural shift would influence the way chocolate was consumed and perceived around the world for generations to come.

Chocolate made its way to Europe not as the finished product but as cocoa beans that were then used to create an exotic drink. Though a whole new set of people were captivated by chocolates it was still very similar to the drink of the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs for many years. This early form of chocolate had very little in common with today’s easily accessible mass produced treats. It was served still in drink form and was regarded as an expensive luxury item and was reserved for the aristocracy and the upper middle-class. Drinking chocolate was the first exotic drink to make its way to Europe. “Chocolate drinking emerged in England, Holland, France, Germany, and Italy, paving the way for the eventual embrace of tea and coffee across the continent.” (“How Chocolate Came to Europe”) Chocolate was more expensive than tea or coffee and remained a luxury product for a long time. Even though the people of Europe did not share the same beliefs as the people of Mesoamerica did about chocolate’s devine properties they still considered hot chocolate to have medicinal properties. “One of the reasons drinking chocolate became popular in the 17th century was due to the health benefits it was thought to provide.” (“The History of Chocolate”) This is interesting as even today people hear that dark chocolate in low quantities contains properties that can lower your chance of heart failure. 

Chocolate continued to thrive throughout Europe for many years, eventually being consumed by all classes of wealth, instead of just the wealthiest few. Without the help of the Columbian Exchange chocolate may never have made its way out of Mesoamerica. “The transfer of foods between the Old and New Worlds during the Columbian Exchange had important consequences for world history. Historian Alfred Crosby described the significance of the transfer of food crops between the continents as “The coming together of the continents was a prerequisite for the population explosion of the past two centuries and certainly played an important role in the Industrial Revolution” (Nunn and Qian) By creating trade routes, and access to new resources the Columbian Exchange played a vital role on how the world would connect and grow. Chocolate in particular played a large role as they not only brought a new food to Europe, but also created a need for innovation.

Chocolate remained wildly popular in Europe for many years, staying in its drink form. It wasn’t until the 1800’s when the technology of the industrial revolution helped chocolate go from liquid form to solid. This helped chocolate become mass produced and helped make the sweet treat affordable to the masses. (“Spain”) This is just one way that chocolate was heavily involved in innovation around the world. The industrial revolution improved transportation, in forms of railways and steamships, making it easier to obtain the cacao beans from Mesoamerica. The industrial revolution also led to the creation of machines that would allow chocolate to be transformed into other forms, such as bars. “In 1879, Swiss chocolatier, Rudolf Lindt, invented the chocolate conche machine which mixed and aerated chocolate, giving it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that blended well with other ingredients.”(“Cocoa Beans & Xocolatl”) Rudolf Lindt making the conche machine was the first major invention that would allow vast audiences to start consuming chocolate. Though this is a turning point in chocolates' long history 1879 wasn’t the first time that chocolate was consumed in this form. “In 1847, British chocolatier J.S. Fry and Sons created the first chocolate bar molded from a paste made of sugar, chocolate liquor and cocoa butter.” (“Cocoa Beans & Xocolatl”) 

Soon after many competitors followed in their footsteps establishing the Valentines day box of chocolates, and the chocolate easter egg. Soon with the help of the conching machine chocolate was being mass produced. Quickly more than 40,000 different candy bars were being made in the U.S. (“History of Chocolate”) Over the years advancements in technology have improved the efficiency of certain steps in the chocolate-making process. Allowing chocolate to become a multi-billion dollar industry, and change economies by bringing numerous economic benefits.

The influence of chocolate has continued to expand since its initial spread through the Columbian Exchange. Today chocolate and its influence on global cuisine extends beyond the sweet treats, exotic drinks and candy that have been associated with chocolate throughout its history. Chocolate has been added to several savory foods, changing dishes and adding unique flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Chocolate is seen in modern day dishes as savory marinades and rubs for meats, this adds new flavors to the dish. Cocoa powder or melted chocolate can also be added when grilling, roasting, or braising meats. Chocolate can be added to salads, stews, and an array of different types of meats. Bringing a juxtaposition to the flavor profile of these dishes that without chocolate would be a boring rendition of a simple dish. Chocolate today is still helping home cooks, and chefs turn their dishes into an exotic and delicious meal. (Wheaton) Chocolate being such a big influence in so many different countries' desserts has brought more economic development, cultural exchange, and global trade to these countries. People want to experience exotic forms of a tasty treat that they already love. This helps support jobs around the world from the farmers, to the exporters, to the chefs, and bakers that make the treats that we all consume. 

Countries from around the world have used chocolate to create their own desserts, allowing chocolate to impact diverse cultures. Germany has created the black forest cake, an iconic dessert with layers of chocolate sponge cake, with whipped cream topped with cherries. Mexico has used chocolate in churros with chocolate sauce. Jamaica created a chocolate rum cake that is known for being moist and thick. Poland has a chocolate dessert called "Babka. All of these desserts have used chocolate to alter and expand their own culture and history. Chocolate being used around the world in different ways shows how connected humans are around the world. “In his famous article on the sociology of the meal, Georg Simmel (1858–1918) observes that “of all the things that people have in common, the most common is that they must eat and drink.” (Colás) People from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds all love chocolate, and its unique flavor profile. I believe that chocolate has changed cultures for the better since its very beginning, and will continue to impact food, innovation, and commerce for years to come.