How did the europeans learn about chocolate?

Christopher Columbus is often credited with introducing chocolate to Europe when he returned from his fourth voyage in 1502. It is believed that he acquired cocoa beans while exploring the Caribbean and Central America, although it is unclear whether he tasted the chocolate drink himself.

It was not until the 16th century that chocolate began to gain popularity in Europe, especially in Spain, where it was enjoyed as a hot beverage flavoured with sugar and spices. From Spain, chocolate spread to other European countries, including Italy and France, where it became a luxury item enjoyed by the wealthy and upper classes.

The first chocolate houses opened in London in the 1650s, and by the 18th century, chocolate had become a common indulgence throughout Europe. It was during this time that the Dutch established cocoa plantations in their colonies in the Caribbean and Asia, which significantly increased the availability and affordability of chocolate.

In the 19th century, the invention of the chocolate bar and the development of mass production techniques made chocolate accessible to a wider audience. The Swiss confectioner Daniel Peter added milk to chocolate in 1875, creating milk chocolate, which further expanded the appeal of chocolate.

Since then, chocolate has become a global commodity and a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.