Discover published sets by community

The cacao tree was discovered in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It was significant for providing the raw beans used to make chocolate, which eventually became a trading commodity and a luxury item.

The Aztecs greatly valued cacao and believed that chocolate was a gift from their god Quetzalcoatl. Chocolate was consumed as a luxurious drink by the elite.

The Mayans were among the first civilizations to cultivate cacao. They regarded chocolate as the 'food of the gods' and used it in religious rituals, as currency, and as a beverage.

Chocolate was introduced to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. It quickly became popular among the European aristocracy, leading to the spread of chocolate consumption across the continent.

In 1879, Rodolphe Lindt invented the conching machine, which refined chocolate to a smooth paste, greatly improving its texture and flavor, and revolutionizing the manufacturing process.

During the French Revolution, chocolate's association with the aristocracy made it a symbol of the wealth and privilege that revolutionaries sought to overturn. Post-revolution, chocolate became more democratized.

Advancements made during the Industrial Revolution, such as the steam engine and the cocoa press, allowed chocolate to be produced on a larger scale and become more affordable to the general public.

Chocolate arrived in the American colonies in the 17th century and was initially a luxury item, but it became more accessible as production methods improved and the economy grew.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, major chocolate companies like Cadbury, Hershey, and Nestlé were established, shaping the modern chocolate industry and popularizing chocolate among the masses.

During World War I and II, chocolate was provided to soldiers as a high-energy food ration. This reinforced its importance as a morale booster and energy source.

In 1875, Daniel Peter and Henri Nestlé invented milk chocolate by adding powdered milk to chocolate. This innovation significantly expanded the chocolate market and taste profiles.

The fair trade movement emerged to promote sustainable farming, better trade conditions, and the rights of workers in the chocolate industry, specifically in cacao producing regions.

The conquest led to the introduction of chocolate to Europe by conquistadors. It's significant for merging the New World's use of chocolate with European ingredients and flavors.

In 1828, Coenraad van Houten developed the cocoa press, which allowed for the extraction of cocoa butter from cacao, leading to a smoother, more consistent chocolate and the ability to produce cocoa powder.