Wednesday, May 26, 2010

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 said that each individual has a different chocolate match. Chocolate lovers all over the world would agree to this. Love and passion for chocolates is relative. One's interest for a chocolate may vary from an additional person's. See adore for chocolates is dependent on a person's flavor and his flavor alone!

Even although the true measure of the chocolate lover is which they would consume anything that is chocolate, there's a lot more than a hundred percent chance that they've a preferred brand or kind. So, with all the chocolates in the world and nations claiming to become the best in generating them, who really requires the hat?

Wherever it Started

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 can be squashed and processed to create 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 become of some substance they could use in the future. If only they could discover much better signifies to process xocolat, the word they used to call the drink.

Only the Aztec leaders were allowed to drink and because the beans were revered so much, it became a currency. When the Spanish conquerors went back 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 major 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 although, it became Spain's best kept solution. 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 are the only ones who can afford the costly beans. Soon, European nations began their own ways of improving chocolate production.

A Triple Treat

The battle for finding an ideal chocolate formula has seeped into the European countries. 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 right 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 frequently embellished with edible ornaments, hand-painted and carved painstakingly, almost like a work of fine art and what's nice is it is as delicious since it looks! The dark chocolates are subtle in flavor and it is neither as sweet nor bitter as any other kind. The flavor simply lingers in the mouth.

When it comes to developing what we now know as mass produced chocolates, the Swiss requires the front row seats. Chocolate was released 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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