The Battle Of Chocolates Requirements Chocolate Lovers’ Vote

Thursday, January 12, 2012
By Faridah Yusuf

“Chocolat”, the comedy released in 2000 based on the novel by Joanne Harris was crystal clear when he said that every person includes a different chocolate match. Chocolate lovers all over the world would agree to this. Love and passion for chocolates is relative. One’s interest to get a chocolate may differ from another person’s. See love for chocolates is dependent on a person’s taste and his flavor alone!

Even though the true measure of a chocolate lover is that they would eat anything that’s chocolate, there is a lot more than a hundred percent opportunity that they’ve a preferred brand or type. So, with all the chocolates in the world and nations claiming to become the best in generating them, who really takes the hat?

Wherever it Started

The history of the chocolate goes back to the times of the Aztecs when they discovered that the beads within the pods of the cocoa tree can be squashed and processed to produce a dark, bitter liquid which they mixed with spices. The resulting frothy mixture allegedly gave power to their gods and leaders. Even then, they knew the cocoa tree to be of some substance they could use in the future. If only they could find much better means to process xocolat, the word they used to call the drink.

Only the Aztec leaders were allowed to drink and simply because the beans were revered so much, it became a currency. When the Spanish conquerors went back again to Spain, they tried to introduce the beans to the majesties. Regrettably, they couldn’t find much use for them just however. But after some main trials and errors, they realized that when mixed with spices for example cinnamon, nutmeg and some sugar, the sweet result is even more tantalizing. From then on, it grew popularity and to get a while, it became Spain’s best kept secret. It took about a hundred years before the rest of Europe found concerning the solution and when it did, it spread like wildfire amongst the nobilities simply because they’re the only ones who can afford the costly beans. Soon, European nations started their own ways of enhancing chocolate production.

A Triple Treat

The battle for discovering the perfect chocolate formula has seeped into the European countries. Spain, surprisingly, took a step back again and watched although France, Belgium and Switzerland took turns in making chocolate background. Even the Americas joined the clamor after the industrial revolution and the consecutive wars. Nevertheless, the truth remains that chocolate lovers know France, Belgium and Switzerland to become creators of the finest chocolates in the world!

The French are known for their liberal yet art-loving lives, their sense of fashion, culinary prowess along with a distinct way of life. French chocolates however, are surprisingly not generally known to become one of their expertise. French morsels are often embellished with edible ornaments, hand-painted and carved painstakingly, almost like a work of art and what’s nice is it is as delicious as it looks! The dark chocolates are subtle in flavor and it’s neither as sweet nor bitter as any other type. The flavor simply lingers in the mouth.

With regards to developing what we now know as mass produced chocolates, the Swiss takes the front row seats. Chocolate was introduced to Switzerland when Zurich mayor, Heinrich Escher, imported cocoa beans and consumed it in banquets. It was banned thereafter due to its alleged aphrodisiac benefits. But no one can stop the Swiss from getting the makers of chocolate as we recognize them today. So, what’s your vote?

Lastly, you got to check out the site for True Chocoholic that will show you how to appreciate and understand about chocolate. Finally, I got a chance to learn more and taste more, to understand why chocolate is such a wonderful experience.

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