Today is World Chocolate Day. Celebrated globally, it commemorates the date chocolate was first introduced to Europe in 1550. But chocolate’s rich history extends far beyond its European connections. Chocolate in the Americas Chocolate begins with the plant Theobroma cacao, a name given in the 18th century by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus. The name translates to food of the gods. Cultures in Central America—including the Olmec, Maya, and Mexica (Aztec)—treated cacao as a ritual … Continue reading →