Sweet Tooth Facts For Kids: Where Does Chocolate Come From?
During the festive seasons of Easter and Halloween in particular, and around the year in general, chocolates are liked by all, especially children.
In the modern world, we all see chocolates as an item that emerges from plastic wrap, but where does chocolate come from originally, into these wraps? Whether it is a bar of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or any other chocolate bar, they all have the exact origin.
While it may come as a surprise to many, and especially children, chocolate comes from the cacao tree. This cacao tree is also recognized as the Theobroma cacao, a small tropical tree.
Interestingly, the word 'Theobroma' is believed to be the Greek translation of the phrase 'food of the Gods'.
These cacao trees grow in a hot, tropical region and are thus native to Central and South America.
But for commercial reasons, the cacao trees can be found in the entire tropical area, with around 70% of the world's cacao grown in Africa. But the chocolates we consume directly aren't available on the cacao trees.
There is an extensive process employed by chocolate makers who harvest the cacao pods and undergo several other steps to obtain the chocolate we consume eventually. Initially, the cacao tree's fruit is pretty bitter in taste, but once it undergoes the process of fermentation, its taste transforms into something much more likable.
Scroll down further to learn more about where does chocolate come from and the steps undertaken by farmers to produce this rich quality substance.