Before the 19th century chocolate was consumed in form of a?

Before the 19th century, chocolate was consumed as a drink, rather than in the solid form we are familiar with today. The earliest evidence of chocolate consumption dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica, who prepared a frothed drink made from cocoa beans mixed with water and other ingredients like chili peppers and honey. This drink was considered sacred and was often used in religious ceremonies.

Over time, chocolate spread to other cultures in Mesoamerica and eventually to Europe. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers introduced chocolate to the rest of the world, and it quickly became a popular luxury drink among the upper classes. However, it was still primarily consumed as a beverage, often flavored with spices like cinnamon or vanilla.

The invention of the chocolate press in the 19th century revolutionized chocolate production, allowing for the removal of cocoa butter and the creation of solid chocolate. This led to the development of various chocolate confections, including candy bars, chocolate cakes, and other desserts. As chocolate became more affordable and accessible, it gained widespread popularity and became the ubiquitous treat we know today.