Chocolate: A short but sweet history | Edible Histories Episode 3 | BBC Ideas

Summary

This video explores the rich history of chocolate, from its early roots in Central and South American cultures to its transformation into the beloved treat we know today. Originally consumed as a bitter drink by the Mayans and Aztecs, chocolate became popular in Europe after the Spanish colonization. Over centuries, innovations in processing led to the creation of milk chocolate and edible bars, shifting chocolate from a luxury drink to an accessible food. The video also touches on modern debates around chocolate’s health benefits, highlighting its possible mood-boosting properties.

Takeaways

• 🍫 Theobroma cacao, the tree that provides chocolate, translates to 'food of the gods' in Greek.
• 🌱 Despite being difficult to cultivate, chocolate has taken over global tastes.
• 🏺 Chocolate's history dates back around 2,500 years, first domesticated in Central and South America.
• 🎨 The Mayans and Aztecs consumed chocolate as a drink, often with water, chili, or thickened with maize, and used the beans as currency.
• 🚢 When the Spanish discovered chocolate, they adopted it and brought it to Europe, although it spread slowly at first.
• 🍶 Europeans adapted chocolate by adding milk and sugar, and drinking it hot, making it a rich and exotic drink.
• 💊 17th-century medicine praised chocolate for its health benefits, claiming it restored energy and had aphrodisiac qualities.
• 🏭 In the 19th century, manufacturers learned to remove cocoa butter, making chocolate edible and accessible to the poor.
• 🍰 Innovations in milk processing and sugar reductions in the 19th century led to the creation of milk chocolate, revolutionizing the industry.
• ⚖️ Today, chocolate is polarized, with cheap, sugary products and high-end dark chocolate, the latter believed to have health benefits due to antioxidants.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the scientific name 'Theobroma cacao'?

'Theobroma cacao' translates to 'food of the gods' in Greek, referring to the chocolate tree.

Where and when was chocolate first domesticated?

Chocolate was first domesticated around 2,500 years ago in Central and South America.

How did the Mayans and Aztecs consume chocolate?

The Mayans and Aztecs typically consumed chocolate as a drink, often mixed with water and chili or thickened with maize.

In what ways did chocolate play a role in Central and South American cultures?

Chocolate was used as a currency, in ceremonies from baptism to burial, and as a drink imbued with health and spiritual properties.

How did chocolate spread to Europe, and what initial reaction did the British have?

Chocolate spread to Europe when the Spanish colonized regions where it was found. Initially, the British mistook cocoa beans for dung and discarded them, but the drink eventually became popular.

How did European cultures modify the way chocolate was consumed?

The Spanish, French, and Italians replaced water with milk, added sugar, and began drinking chocolate hot, which made it richer and more palatable.

What were the health beliefs surrounding chocolate in the 17th century?

In the 17th century, chocolate was believed to restore natural heat, generate pure blood, enliven the heart, and act as an aphrodisiac.

When and how did chocolate transition from a drink to something edible?

In the early 19th century, manufacturers learned to remove cocoa butter, improving the texture and making chocolate edible, though initially bitter.

What developments led to the rise of milk chocolate in the 19th century?

Milk chocolate became popular in the second half of the 19th century due to advances in milk processing, a drop in sugar prices, and competition between confectionery companies.

What are some modern health claims associated with dark chocolate?

Modern studies suggest that small amounts of dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants, theobromine, and caffeine, may improve mood, reduce stress, and offer health benefits.