Who Brought Chocolate to Europe? The Story of Hernán Cortés and Cacao

Discover how Hernán Cortés introduced chocolate to Europe and its transformation from bitter to sweet.

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Chocolate was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the early 16th century. Hernán Cortés played a pivotal role in bringing the cacao beans back from the Aztec Empire. Initially consumed as a bitter beverage, chocolate underwent several transformations in Europe, incorporating sugar and milk, eventually leading to the sweet, solid form we enjoy today.

FAQs & Answers

  1. When did chocolate first arrive in Europe? Chocolate was introduced to Europe in the early 16th century.
  2. What was chocolate originally consumed as? Originally, chocolate was consumed as a bitter beverage by the Aztecs.
  3. How did chocolate change over time in Europe? Chocolate underwent transformations by incorporating sugar and milk, leading to the sweet solid form we enjoy today.
  4. Who were the early adopters of chocolate in Europe? Spanish explorers, particularly Hernán Cortés, were instrumental in introducing chocolate to European society.

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