Valentine's Chocolate

Chocolate Gifts

The History of Chocolate

The word chocolate is derived from the words chocolatl and xocoatl, which originated from the Central and South Americans (the ancient Aztec and Maya civilisations) in the early twentieth century. As cocoa beans were so rare and expensive during this time, it was used as a substitute for currency. Due to its bland and natural taste during this period, spices such as chilli peppers were added to exemplify its natural cocoa taste. It is important to note the difference between cacao, cocoa and chocolate. Cacao is the domesticated plant and its products before processing. Chocolate, on the other hand, are the seeds of the cocoa plan after processing. Cocoa is the defatted powder made from cacao. [Read more about the history of chocolate]