Candy, milkshakes, biscuits, flavored coffee-even grains and medicines! Chocolate is a key ingredient in many foods. In fact, it is the favorite taste of most Americans. However, few people know the unique origin of this popular food.
The story of chocolate has spanned more than 2000 years, and now it has spread all over the world. The story begins in the rainforests of Central and South America, where cocoa (KOW) originated. Chocolate is made from the seeds of the cocoa tree.
But the journey from seed to sweetness is long, spanning many centuries and requiring many processes. So choose the story you want to hear first:
Grow chocolate
Fascinated by the origin of chocolate? Explore the rainforest habitat of cocoa tree, discover its different planting methods, and understand many unusual characteristics of this magical plant.
History of chocolate
Curious who discovered chocolate? Get to know people who use cocoa beans for the first time, and then look at their tools and explore their traditions. You will learn how the Mayans, Aztecs, Spaniards and contemporary people made chocolate.
Eat chocolate
Longing for more of your favorite indulgence? Immersed in the temptation and knowledge of chocolate, study its use as health medicine, so-called aphrodisiac and condiment in recipes all over the world.
Make chocolate
Are you interested in the way chocolate is produced today? Investigate the key inventions in the process of chocolate candy manufacturing and molding. Understand the difference between bittersweet and baked, milk and white, black and "Dutch" chocolate. And study the problems involved in trading chocolate in today's global market.
Chocolate challenge
Do you think you are an expert in chocolate? Test your knowledge and see how chocolate is popular all over the world.
Books, movies and resources
Want to know more about chocolate? See the latest list of books, movies and other resources for adults and children, which involve the protection, culture and commodity issues of chocolate.
Just for the children.
Looking for chocolate fun for the whole family Download child-friendly recipes, interesting facts, crossword puzzles, word searches and other educational activities. Children can even "make" chocolate online in our "Chocolate Making from Seeds to Candy" interaction.