1. Where was the first chocolate discovered?
Chocolate originated from the cacao tree in the Amazon and Central America about 4000 years ago. It was first cultivated by the Olmec Civilization between 3500 to 2500 years ago. The cacao beans were toasted and ground to make a chocolate drink. The Aztecs and the Mayans carried on this tradition which became so popular that the cacao beans were used as currency.

2. How did chocolate become popular in Europe?
Christopher Columbus discovered cacao beans being used for trade during his last voyage off the coast of Honduras. Even though he brought some of the beans back to Spain, they were disregarded. It wasn't until twenty years later that Spanish explorer, Hernando Cortez also brought the beans
back to his homeland that the idea of sweetening the chocolate drink became popular. The idea eventually spread to Great Britain and the rest of Europe during the 1600's.

3. When did chocolate appear in the United States? Chocolate first appeared in 1765. Cacao beans were brought from the West Indies by John Hanan to New England. Eventually, Dorchester, Massachusetts became the site of the first chocolate factory in the United States.

4. Who invented the first chocolate bar?
Fry and Sons of Bristol, England in 1847.

5. Who eats the most chocolate? The Swiss consume the most chocolate per capita.

6. How is chocolate made?
After harvesting the beans from the cacoa tree, the pulp and beans are removed and allowed to ferment for about five days. The beans are then cleaned, roasted and removed from their shells. While using friction and heat to crush the beans, a chocolate liquor is formed. This chocolate liquor is the basis for most chocolate products such as cocoa and chocolate bars.

7. Is chocolate nutritious?
While chocolate is high in calories and fat, new research shows the it contains antioxidants that can help fight disease. Cocoa is also high in magnesium which is linked to a healthy heart and joints. Chocolate has long been considered a good source of energy.

8. What is cocoa content?
The more cocoa (cacoa) content in chocolate. the richer the flavor. For instance, dark chocolate which has a high cacoa contest has a much more intense flavor than milk chocolate, which contains more sugar and milk.

9. Where is the most chocolate produced?
Africa produces more chocolate than any other continent.

10. Does chocolate contain caffeine? Yes, there are about 5 milligrams of caffeine in a milk chocolate bar. In comparison, coffee contains about 125 milligrams in an 8 ounce cup.