Showing posts with label tea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tea. Show all posts

Friday, June 23, 2023

History of "Chocolate"

 The history of chocolate dates back thousands of years, with its origins traced to ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica, specifically the regions that are now modern-day Mexico and Central America. Here's a brief overview of the history of chocolate

1.      Ancient Mesoamerica: The Olmec civilization, which thrived around 1500 BCE, is believed to be the first to cultivate cacao plants and use them to create a beverage. The Mayans, who succeeded the Olmecs, also held cacao in high regard and consumed it as a bitter, frothy drink during religious ceremonies and important social events. The Aztecs, who came later, adopted the Mayan traditions and considered cacao to be a sacred gift from the gods.

2.      Cacao as Currency: Cacao beans held significant value among the Mayans and Aztecs. They were used as currency, and the beans were traded for goods and services. The beans were so valuable that they were even counterfeited by other seeds or clay.

3.      European Arrival: The first Europeans to encounter cacao were the Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés. In 1521, Cortés and his troops conquered the Aztec empire, and they were introduced to the drink made from cacao beans. Initially, the Spanish found the bitter taste unappealing, but they gradually acquired a taste for it. They brought cacao back to Spain, where it was modified by adding sugar and other sweeteners.

4.      European Adaptation: Chocolate remained a luxury drink in Europe for several centuries, primarily enjoyed by the aristocracy and the elite. The Spanish managed to keep their chocolate-making process a secret for many years. However, by the 17th century, chocolate had gained popularity and spread to other European countries, including France, Italy, and England.

5.      Industrial Revolution: In the 18th century, technological advancements, such as the invention of steam-powered machines, transformed the production of chocolate. In 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad Johannes van Houten developed a hydraulic press that allowed the separation of cocoa butter from roasted cacao beans, resulting in the creation of cocoa powder. This innovation made chocolate more accessible and opened the doors for further developments in the chocolate industry.

6.      Solid Chocolate: The next significant milestone occurred in 1847 when British chocolate manufacturer Joseph Fry produced the first solid chocolate bar. Fry's creation marked the beginning of the era of chocolate bars, which would become immensely popular worldwide.

7.      Chocolate Industry Growth: The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed remarkable growth in the chocolate industry. Companies such as Cadbury, Nestlé, and Hershey's emerged, introducing new products and refining the production processes. Milk chocolate, created by adding powdered milk to chocolate, became increasingly popular, making chocolate even more appealing to a wider audience.

8.      Modern Chocolate: In recent decades, the chocolate industry has continued to evolve, with various innovations and trends emerging. Artisanal chocolate makers have gained prominence, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and unique flavors. Dark chocolate, with its potential health benefits, has gained popularity, and there has been a rise in demand for ethically sourced and sustainable chocolate.

Today, chocolate is enjoyed in various forms worldwide, including bars, truffles, bonbons, and more. It has become a global indulgence, deeply rooted in cultural traditions and celebrated for its rich taste and versatility.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

The birth of Tea


Tea (Camellia sinensis) is often thought  as being a British drink, drinking it over 350 years. But the history of tea goes much further back and begins in China. According to legend, the Chinese emperior  Shen Nung in 2737 BC was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water, when some leaves from the tree blew into the water. Chine Emperior, Shen Nung, a renowned herbalist, decided to try the infusion that his servant had accidentally created. The tree was a Camellia sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call tea.
Tea originated in Southwest China,  and was used as a drink for medicinal use. It was during Chinese Tang dynasty popularized as a recreational drink. During the 16th century tea drinking spread to other East Asian countries and Portuguese priests/merchants introduced it to Europe. During the 17th century, drinking tea became fashionable among Britons, who started large-scale production and commercialization of the plant in India.
Tea is an aromatic beverage commonly prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub (bush) native to Asia. After water, it is the most widely consumed drink in the world. There are many different types of tea; like Darjeeling and Chinese greens, having cooling, slightly bitter, and astringent flavour.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Who invented tea bags?

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), in China, paper was folded and sewn into square bags to preserve the flavor of tea. The first Western tea bags were hand-sewn fabric bags; tea bag patents date as early as 1903. First appearing commercially around 1904, tea bags were successfully marketed by the tea and coffee shop merchant,  Thomas Sullivan from New York, who shipped his tea bags around the world. The tea in loose form was intended to be removed from the sample bags, but the customers found it easier to brew the tea in cups still enclosed in the bags. These days tea bags are usually made of paper fibre. The heat-sealed  paper fiber tea bag was invented by William Hermanson, one of the founders of Technical Papers Corporation of Boston. The rectangular tea bag was not invented until 1944. Prior to this, tea bags resembled small sacks.