The Battle Of Chocolates Needs Chocolate Lovers' Vote

By Faridah Yusuf

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

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

Where it Began

The background of the chocolate goes back to the times of the Aztecs when they discovered that the beads inside the pods of the cocoa tree could be squashed and processed to produce a dark, bitter liquid which they mixed with spices. The resulting frothy mixture allegedly gave energy 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 discover 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 had been 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. Unfortunately, they couldn't discover much use for them just yet. But right after some main trials and errors, they realized that when mixed with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and some sugar, the sweet result is even more tantalizing. From then on, it grew popularity and for a while, it became Spain's best kept solution. It took about a hundred years before the rest of Europe found about the solution and when it did, it spread like wildfire amongst the nobilities because they are the only ones who can afford the costly beans. Soon, European nations began their own methods of enhancing chocolate production.

A Triple Treat

The battle for finding the perfect chocolate formula has seeped into the European nations. Spain, surprisingly, took a step back and watched while France, Belgium and Switzerland took turns in producing chocolate history. Even the Americas joined the clamor after the industrial revolution and the consecutive wars. However, the fact remains that chocolate lovers know France, Belgium and Switzerland to be creators of the finest chocolates in the world!

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

With regards to developing what we now know as mass produced chocolates, the Swiss requires 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 becoming the makers of chocolate as we recognize them today. So, what's your vote?

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About The Author
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.