Edible Affection: The History of Chocolate Love

February is the shortest month of the year, but it has a lot packed into it. In the first week, it has ground hog’s day, which lets us know if we will get an early spring. Beginning the second week, there’s Valentine’s day. This day somehow reminds people to define and celebrate their relationships. Most importantly, the whole month is dedicated to acknowledging the contribution of African descendants to American culture. But when I think of February, I think of chocolate. I specifically think of chocolate candy, or as I like to call it, the food of love.

I had no idea that the origin of St. Valentine’s Day originated in the Christian Church, as a way of celebrating a martyr (please research the history of Valentine’s day). As an elementary school kid, for me, Valentine’s day indicated that if someone liked me or thought I was cute, they would give me candy. If I were lucky, they would give me chocolate. Chocolate is not only decadent and delicious, it has a rich history. If you have ever bitten into baking chocolate and spit it back out because of its bitterness, then you’ll understand, the chocolate I love today has come a long way from its origin.

The history of chocolate’s began millennials ago in ancient Mexico. This is where the first cacao plants were found. The cacao plant produces cocoa beans that are used to make chocolate liquor, cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and chocolate. It is written that, the Olmecs of Latin America, were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate. They drank their chocolate during rituals and used it as medicine. By the 1400s, chocolate was being used by the Aztecs for currency and rituals.

Now that you know the cliff notes of chocolate’s origin, lets delve into the abridge history of chocolate candy. It all began in 1847 England, when Joseph Fry, discovered a way to make a paste mixed with cocoa powder, sugar, cocoa and molded that into the first chocolate bar. However, by 1889, Cadbury expanded the treat by adding milk, which is why we have the term, “milk chocolate”.

The early candy makers would not believe how their creations have expanded and transformed. At a World Fair held in Chicago, Pennsylvanian confectionery Milton Hersey purchased a German manufactured chocolate making machine. This purchase helped him introduce Cadbury style candy to the North America. He quickly rose to be the number one candy maker in America. His company still holds this title today.

Hershey’s products are embedded into my life experiences. Hershey’s kisses went beyond being a Valentine’s day treat. They have been ice breakers when people ask for them, after seeing them in my office candy bowl. Milton Hershey took chocolate candy making to another level. His company is responsible for three of my favorite candy bars. Besides kisses, I love Reese’s peanut cups, Kit Kats, and York Peppermint Patties. By the way, be careful. Everyone knows that the day after Valentine’s Day candy prices plummet, making it all too easy to over consume.

From Ancient times to now, chocolate has always been somewhat of a status symbol. Because they are reasonably priced, many can buy a Hershey product. Some form of their product is readily available in most vending machines. However, you will be hard pressed to find Cadbury products in a vending machine. Back in the day and in many instances now, European products are a sign of opulence. Did you know, the Cadbury company is also credited with inventing the first heart shaped chocolate candy box? Despite Mexico being the origin location of the cacao bean, as stated above. Europe inspired the worlds taste for chocolate love.