Where did chocolate come from?

Chocolate originally came from the area of Central America. Chocolate has been enjoyed since ancient times, and evidence to its existence dates backs to the 5th century.

Chocolate was known as cacao by the Mayans, which translates as "the food of the gods." This confection was once a food that was only enjoyed by royalty, nobles and warriors.

The cacao tree produces the bean from which chocolate is made. The beans then go through processes of drying, fermentation and roasting.

Chocolate did not surface in Europe until the mid-1500s, and its popularity rose quickly. Almost half of the world's cacao beans come from North Africa.