The Story of Chocolate

Chocolate has its origins in the Mayan civilisation of Yucotan. The cocoa tree is believed to have been discovered 2,000 years ago in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. The Azetecs of Mexico are known to have believed in the mystical origin of the cocoa tree, they cultivated the crop, and began consuming the cocoa beans as a unique recipe called 'chocolat.'

The beans looked like almonds, so at first the Spanish invaders showed little interest, but they were to become the source of chocolate and cocoa as we know it today.

The Spanish Conquistador Cortez recognised a possible commercial value of cocoa as a drink, and introduced the cocoa bean to Europe, but the Europeans found it bitter, so cane sugar was added to sweeten it.

It is thought that travellers introduced cocoa to the 'New World' of North America in the 1500's.

Initially chocolate was prepared in a number of different ways. Chocolate drinks were favoured initially, but the solid bars became preferred by the general public.

In 1894 Hershey’s was founded by Milton Hershey to produce sweet chocolate as a coating for his caramels. Hershey’s soon became synonymous with chocolate in North America.

The Hershey’s Chocolate Company established its first shop in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Its proximity to the shipping routes and ports of New York made it easy to import cocoa beans and sugar to the region. The surrounding area had many dairy farms from which Milton Hershey obtained the milk he needed for his recipes.

The Hershey brand continued to flourish as mass production enabled manufacturers to keep costs low.

By 1905 Hershey’s was in full production manufacturing their milk chocolate in many varieties, among them the world famous Hershey Kisses, Cookies ‘n’ Crème and Cookies ‘n’ Chocolate.

Wow.... who does'nt wants to eat cookies 'n'chocolate. It's so delicious... Thanks for who bring me a chocolate