"A young Spaniard sets off for South America in 1518 with Cortes and the Conquistadors, propelled by his love's declaration that she will not marry until he returns with a special treasure, a symbol of their love that no man or woman has ever before received. But during his travels he falls in love with Ignacia, a native woman who introduces him to the secrets of the most delicious drink he has ever tasted, chocolate."--Jacket.

“A beautifully written . . . and illustrated history of the Food of the Gods, from the Olmecs to present-day developments.”—Chocolatier This delightful tale of one of the world’s favorite foods draws on botany, archaeology, and culinary history to present a complete and accurate history of chocolate. It begins some 4,000 years ago in the jungles of Mexico and Central America with the chocolate tree, Theobroma Cacao, and the complex processes necessary to transform its bitter seeds into what is now known as chocolate. This was centuries before chocolate was consumed in generally unsweetened liquid form and used as currency by the Maya and the Aztecs after them. The Spanish conquest of Central America introduced chocolate to Europe, where it first became the drink of kings and aristocrats and then was popularized in coffeehouses. Industrialization in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries made chocolate available to all, and now, in our own time, it has become once again a luxury item. The third edition includes new photographs and revisions throughout that reflect the latest scholarship. A new final chapter on a Guatemalan chocolate producer, located within the Pacific coastal area where chocolate was first invented, brings the volume up-to-date.

From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Chocolat, from romantic gift to guilty indulgence, chocolate has a special place in Western popular culture. But what are the hidden histories behind this luxurious commodity? This book examines chocolate production from cocoa bean to chocolate box, illuminating the dynamics of gender, race and empire which have structured the cocoa chain. Using a varied range of sources, and drawing on the author’s own relationship to the industry, this book reconnects the people and places at different stages of chocolate production. Emma Robertson stresses the need to recognise the complex histories of empire and labour which have made such pleasurable consumption possible. Chocolate, women and empire offers exciting new insights into the lives of women workers in a global industry. It will be invaluable to historians of British imperialism as well as to students of Women’s and Gender Studies, Cultural Studies and Business Studies.

"Chocolate is a reminder that some of life's greatest pleasures come from simple things." The World of Chocolate is the ultimate guide for those who love chocolate and want to learn more about this beloved treat. This comprehensive book covers everything from the history of chocolate to its production, different types, health benefits, cultural significance, and much more. The book begins with the history of chocolate, exploring its origins, rise in popularity, and the industrial revolution that transformed it into the treat we know and love today. It then dives into chocolate production, covering everything from cocoa beans to chocolate bars and the art of chocolate making. Readers will also learn about the different types of chocolate, including dark, milk, and white chocolate, as well as chocolate varieties by country. The book also covers the health benefits of chocolate, its cultural significance in art, literature, and religion, and the impact of cocoa farming on the environment. The World of Chocolate also provides insights into the chocolate business, innovation, and the latest chocolate trends. Readers will learn about chocolate tourism, the best places to experience chocolate, and chocolate festivals and events. In addition, the book includes chapters on chocolate desserts, chocolate pairing with wine and spirits, chocolate-inspired fashion, chocolate in sports nutrition, and much more. The book is filled with beautiful photos and illustrations and includes recipes and tips for enjoying chocolate at home. Whether you're a chocolate lover or just curious about this fascinating treat, The World of Chocolate is a must-read. It offers an in-depth exploration of chocolate that will delight and inform readers of all ages.Table of Contents: The History of Chocolate The Origins of Chocolate The Rise of Chocolate in Europe The Industrial Revolution and Chocolate Chocolate Production From Cocoa Beans to Chocolate Bars The Art of Chocolate Making Chocolate Production Around the World The Different Types of Chocolate Dark Chocolate Milk Chocolate White Chocolate Chocolate Varieties by Country Chocolate and Health The Health Benefits of Chocolate The Dark Side of Chocolate Chocolate as Medicine Chocolate and Culture Chocolate in Different Cultures Chocolate in Art and Literature Chocolate in Religion and Rituals Chocolate and the Environment The Impact of Cocoa Farming on the Environment Sustainable Chocolate Production The Future of Chocolate and the Environment Chocolate and Business The Global Chocolate Industry The Economics of Chocolate The Business of Chocolate in Different Countries Chocolate and Innovation The History of Chocolate Innovation The Latest Chocolate Trends The Future of Chocolate Innovation Chocolate and Travel The Best Places to Experience Chocolate Chocolate Tourism Around the World Chocolate Festivals and Events Chocolate and Desserts Classic Chocolate Desserts Chocolate Pairing with Wine and Spirits New Chocolate Dessert Trends Chocolate and Fashion Chocolate Inspired Fashion Chocolate in Beauty and Cosmetics Chocolate in Fashion Events Chocolate and Sports Chocolate for Athletes Chocolate and Endurance Sports Chocolate in Sports Nutrition Chocolate and Kids The History of Chocolate for Kids Chocolate Education for Kids Chocolate Crafts and Recipes for Kids Chocolate and Love The Romantic History of Chocolate Chocolate Gifts for Loved Ones Chocolate and Relationships Chocolate and the Future The Future of Chocolate Technology The Future of Chocolate Flavors The Future of Chocolate and SocietyISBN: 9781991093271

A fascinating guide to the history and medical uses of cacao. The Secret Life of Chocolate is a book about chocolate. Not the sweet, mass-produced fatty confection most of us are familiar with, though. This book is about old-school chocolate; pre-Colombian, Central American, bitter-spicy-foamy-intense blow-your-socks-off chocolate; chocolate beverages made with toasted cocoa beans, water, and indigenous plants. Today there are many different forms of drinking chocolate in Latin America, most of which reflect European (Spanish) influence, incorporating sugar, cinnamon, and milk. The aim of this work is to peel back the years of cultural cross-pollination and anatomize the original Cacao-based beverages, which were richer, more complex, more potent, and darker (in every sense) than modern forms of chocolate. This book delves into the ancient history of the human relationship with the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao; it dissects the pharmacological properties of chocolate to the fullest possible extent; and it divulges the mythical and magical associations of human interactions with this incredible plant.