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The History Of Chocolate And Its Uses In Food

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Christian
The History Of Chocolate And Its Uses In Food

Chocolate is a sweet treat and it is also a popular ingredient in many foods. It is found in various forms, from milkshakes to chocolate spreads. The average American eats about 10 pounds of chocolate per year. This is in addition to the countless other ways it is consumed. There are even a number of special holiday celebrations where chocolate is a main component.

Cocoa beans are seeds from the cacao tree, a tropical plant that grows in warm and humid environments. They are harvested and then processed to create the finished product. Initially, they were used to make a medicinal drink. Later, they were refined and enriched with sweeteners. Today, they are sold and processed all over the world. If you are not very well aware about the history of chocolate and its uses in food then you need to visit the site https://www.balancefoodplanner.com/.

Originally, cacao drinks were consumed in Mesoamerican civilizations. It was believed that the drink held spiritual powers. It was cultivated by the Aztec, the Maya and the Toltec. In 1528, the Spanish conquered the Aztecs and brought their civilization to an end. During this time, chocolate was a valuable commodity and sought after by the people of Central America.

By the 16th century, Europeans had a strong interest in chocolate. In the 1700s, it began to be manufactured. This interest in chocolate grew largely due to the slave trade. Slaves were used to harvest cocoa beans. After the cacao beans were ground, they were infused with sugar, nuts and milk. When these were combined, they produced a 'chocolate liquor', which is a dense liquid.

These days, chocolate is produced in over 50 countries around the world. Most of the cacao beans are grown in West Africa. However, there is a small amount of Trinitario cacao that is created on the island of Trinidad. Compared to the Criollo cacao, Trinitario has a more fruity taste and higher resistance to pests.

In the colonial era, the demand for chocolate was so great that the supply had to be increased to meet the needs. As a result, the colonies faced serious competition. Using slave labor to harvest and process cacao was one of the most effective strategies for expanding chocolate interest.

Once the cacao has been produced, it is shipped to factories all over the world. The dried beans are then cleaned and sorted. A process called alkaline treatment is then performed to further enhance the flavor.

The final step in the manufacturing process is molding. The mold is then filled with the cocoa liquor and cooled. With this process, the sugars and fats absorb moisture and reform into larger crystals.

In addition to the ingredients, processed chocolate contains other common additives. For instance, it is often flavored with dried fruits, nuts and milk. Several studies have shown that these chemicals have a wide variety of effects on the brain and body. One study found that small amounts of chocolate chemicals could produce happy feelings in an eater. While the large amounts may have serious implications for the brain, the smaller levels are unlikely to have a major impact.

 


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