Chocolate : A History of Chocolate
by: Christine Breen
Did you know chocolate was originated in Central America? That it used to be a treat only to the rich? Chocolate has a fascinating history!
The Olmecs occupied a small area south of Veracruz and were the first cultivators of the cacao pod. The Mayans were next, just south of present day Mexico, to elevate chocolate to status of the Gods. They named the cacao tree Cacahuaquchtl (tree) as they were concerned no other tree was worth naming. They believed the tree belonged to the gods and that the pods growing from the tree were an offering from the gods to man. They Mayans were the originators of a bitter brew made from cacao beans. It was a luxury drink enjoyed by kings and noblemen. Thankfully we can all enjoy chocolate now!
Christopher Columbus, in 1502, reached the island of Guanaja off the coast of Honduras. As legend goes he was greeted by natives that gave him a sackful of cacao beans in exchange for some of his own merchandise. When Cortes arrived seventeen years later the cacao beans were being used as food and a form of currency. It was reported that a slave could be bought for one hundred cacao beans. At the time, two hundred small cacao beans were worth one Spanish real.
The Spanish helped develop cacao plantations in Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Jamaica and Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Cacao production has since spread all over the world but the cacao from these original regions still produce the most highly prized variety of cacao bean. The first ever chocolate processing plant was set up in Spain in 1580. From then on the popularity of chocolate gradually spread to the other European countries.
The Dutch transplanted the tree to their East Indian states in the early seventeenth century and from there it spread to the Philippines, New Guinea, Samoa and Indonesia with a large degree of success made possible by the exploitation of hundreds of thousands of African slaves. In the early nineteenth century the Portuguese transplanted Brazilian cacao saplings to the island of Sao Tome off the African coast and later to West Africa. By the end of the nineteenth century the Germans had settled it in Cameroon and British in Sri Lanka. Plantations have since spread to Southeast Asia and Malaysia is now one of the world's leading producers.
About The Author
Christine Breen Find online chocolate resources by visiting chocolate.computer-sources.info
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Great Appetizers for Baby Showers and Other Parties
Great Appetizers for Baby Showers and Other Parties
by: Criss White
One of the biggest challenges for planning a baby shower or any other party is picking the right food. Appetizers and snacks are great for all types of parties, big and small. Here are some delicious appetizer ideas that you can make yourself or buy for your party:
1) Stuffed Mushrooms - Stuffed mushrooms are a tasty treat for any party. Larger mushroom caps of course are better and you can be creative with your stuffing choices. Some popular ingredient choices are cheese, bacon, and breadcrumbs.
2) Cheese and Crackers - Cheese and crackers are a simple snack idea for any party. This snack is also great for health conscious people. For upscale occasions, cheese logs or gourmet cheese balls can be used.
3) Fruit Platter - Another healthy and simple idea is fruit salad or a fruit platter. These platters can contain canned fruits, fresh fruits, or a mix of both. Some...
Great Appetizers for Baby Showers and Other Parties
Chocolate > Great Appetizers for Baby Showers and Other Parties
Unique Mother's Day Gift - No More Flowers and Chocolate
Unique Mother's Day Gift - No More Flowers and Chocolate
by: William Jacobson
With Mother?s Day approaching fast, it?s time to begin thinking about how best to express how much Mommy Dearest means to us. If you?re like most, Mother?s Day has become a routine that consists of a greeting card, a bouquet of flowers, and a phone call to say "I love you". And though mom surely loves the sentiment, perhaps 2005 should be a year when you put a bit more creativity into your gift idea.
How about giving the gift of art? Several businesses across the country create one-of-a-kind, stylish, and sentimental works of art from customers? photographs, often for a price less than what you?d pay for a mass-produced department store print.
Here are just a few examples:
- What mom wouldn?t want pictures of her kids? Have a baby picture or a photo of siblings playing made into an oil painting;
- Have a picture of mom from when she...
Chocolate > Unique Mother's Day Gift - No More Flowers and Chocolate
Is Your Website Credit Card Friendly?
Is Your Website Credit Card Friendly?
by: Tim Knox
In my last column I discussed the process of credit card enabling your brick-and-mortar business. I pointed out that research has shown that accepting credit cards can help increase revenue and enhance cash flow. I also pointed out that you may have to look beyond your local bank for help in getting things set up. This week we will look at setting up an online payment system for your business website. If you...
Chocolate : A History of Chocolate hedge funds Is Your Website Credit Card Friendly?
Chocolate > Is Your Website Credit Card Friendly?