Chocolate History - The Chocolate Fountain

Chocolate as we know it today is enjoyed in many forms, including Chocolate Fountains and Chocolate Shot Machines. Several companies provide commercial chocolate fountain models and chocolate shot machines. A number of companies sell the small models referred to a 'home models.'

Chocolate's history is traced back to sixth century AD, to the Maya culture (1500-400 BC). It is derived from the seed of the Cacao tree and was believed to be a symbol of life and fertility.  Images of the cocoa pods were carved into the stone of their palaces and temples (300 AD).  Several hundred years later (600 AD), the Mayas underwent a great migration from Central America down to the northern portions of South America, from the Yucatán Peninsula across the Chiapas and to the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.  It was in the Yucatán that the Mayas established the earliest known cacao plantations. 

Cacao beans were ground up with various spices and turned into a thick drink called "xocoatl" for rituals and special functions.  Today, you can find a thick, rich, sipping chocolate, referred to as a Chocolate Shot Machine or Gourmet Sipping Chocolate Machine. History does tend to repeats itself. Today, just like years ago, people can enjoy chocolate in various forms.

Cacao beans were also used as a measure of currency; another example of the high importance and value of the beans to these cultures.  Circa 1500 AD, would buy 1 rabbit and 100 cacao beans would buy 1 slave.  Explorer Hernando Cortez, searching for Aztec gold, recognized the esteemed value of the cocoa beans.  He is credited with establishing cocoa plantations around the Caribbean and transporting the beans to Spain in the mid 1500's. 

In the 1600's, cocoa was introduced into France by the marriage of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria.  Soon after, the first known chocolate factory was opened in Bayonne, France.  In 1753 - The cacao tree was given the technical name Theobroma cacao, meaning 'food of the gods' by the Swedish naturalist and chocolate enthusiast Carolus Linnaeus. 

In 1875, in Switzerland, milk chocolate was developed which today is preferred by 80% of the world's population. From the early days of chocolate discovery to current day appreciation for chocolate, including chocolate in chocolate fountains, people can't seem to shake the desire for the delicious taste, texture, and aroma provided.