The cacao tree (botanical name Theobroma cacao, meaning “food of the gods”) was an important part of Myan and Aztec royal and religious cultures for centuries. Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing the cacao bean, the main ingredient in chocolate, to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella upon his return in 1492. Initially, chocolate was primarily enjoyed as a beverage and was so expensive to produce that it was only available to the wealthy. In the 1800s, with the invention of the cocoa press, mass production and processing techniques, the old coarse bean cocoa was replaced by a smoother textured cocoa creating a solid chocolate similar to the chocolate we enjoy today.
Chocolate reached the North American colonies in the 18th century and has grown to become an important part of American culture. Chocolate enhances the flavor of almost everything. Top nuts, pretzels, fruit, jellies, cookies, donuts, we dip it, we drink it, we serve it hot, we serve it cold, we add it to coffee, tea, cereal, and protein bars. The variety of chocolate items available makes it the number one choice for gifting. An elegantly packaged box of chocolates is an appropriate gift for almost any occasion, and the highest percentage of boxed chocolates are sold on Valentine’s Day and during the months of November and December.
The variety of chocolate items also makes it a great choice for gift baskets. Several different boxes of chocolates can be combined with a box of cocoa, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate covered pretzels to create a gift basket that will please just about anyone. You’ll find chocolate in one form or another in many themed gift baskets. This could be a chocolate-scented candle, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or chocolate-covered jalapeño chips. There is a chocolate for every taste.
One great feature of chocolate is that, in its semi-liquid state, it can be poured and molded into any shape. Seasonal depictions are common, such as roses for Valentine’s Day, bunnies for Easter, and Santas for Christmas. Chocolates imprinted with company names are used to promote businesses. Printed chocolate can be as simple as a candy bar, or it can be something creative. A software development company might choose a chocolate CD with the company name printed on it as a promotional item, while a building contractor might choose a chocolate toolkit.
An elegant box of imported chocolates makes an impressive warm gift or a thoughtful thank you for a recommendation. When you think of a gift, think of chocolate.
