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The History of Chocolate is a Record with Centuries of Appreciation

The history of chocolate doesn't mention the delicious confectionery's source until the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures came upon and recognized the value of the cacao plant. Chocolate makers used the products of the plant for currency and units of calculation. The first cocoa plantations were said to have been in northern South America where the Mayans migrated in about 600 AD.

Christopher Columbus reportedly brought the valuable beans back to King Ferdinand after his fourth visit to the New World. These beans and their value were overlooked at the time in the shadow of numerous other treasures Columbus had found.

The first notable recognition of chocolate was when Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez attended the court of Emperor Montezuma of Mexico. Cortez brought the treasured chocolate back to the royal court of King Charles the Fifth. The King had Monks that were hidden away in Spanish monasteries process the cocoa beans and was able to keep chocolate a secret for almost a century. This created a profitable industry for Spain who then proceeded to plant cocoa trees in its overseas colonies.

Finally, an Italian traveler by the name of Antonio Carletti came upon the valuable chocolate and introduced it to other parts of Europe. The first chocolate house was reported to have been opened in 1657 in London by a Frenchman. Chocolate was considered to be a beverage strictly for the upper class and was priced accordingly.

Thankfully, chocolate available in a number of varieties, locations and prices. We love chocolate in our drinks, our foods and our candies. You can find the most delicious offerings on our 'gourmet chocolate' page. Chocolate remains valuable in all its forms and one of the most popular gifts presented for any occasion.