In 1502, Columbus, on his 4th and final voyage to the Caribbean, was given a sack of cacao seeds as a form of payment. He was unsure of the worth of the seeds, so the Aztecs made him a drink from the pods to show him its potential. They felt this drink was a source of energy, spiritual wisdom, and enhanced sexual powers. They used it to fortify their warriors when in battle. Although Columbus did not personally care for it, he accepted the seeds in payment, being curious as to its value upon returning to Spain.

Years later, when Cortes arrived in the New World, he noted that the Aztecs used the cacao beans as their treasury and kept huge storehouses of the seeds. Cortes was offered a cacao plantation and a royal welcome from the Aztec ruler Montezuma, when he mistakenly thought Cortes was the reincarnation of a former god and king. This was the beginning of the downfall of the Aztec Empire, but helped Cortes realize that this crop had tremendous potential led him to establish cacao plantations throughout the Caribbean.

When Columbus and Cortes returned to Spain the bitter cacao drink of the Aztec culture was introduced to Europe and there it was sweetened to make it more in tune to the European tastes. It became a drink of the elite and wealthy. Within ten years, chocolate was enjoyed throughout the courts in the French aristocracy. Chocolate became known throughout the countries of Europe and in the middle of the 17th century chocolate appeared in England. There it was highly taxed continuing its reputation as a luxury to be enjoyed only by those privileged enough to afford it.

Cacao was primarily only for drinking until 1828. Chocolate was prepared as a drink by grinding up the beans into a thin paste and adding spices and sweetening and then adding something to soak up the cocoa butter, which would float to the surface.Coenraad J. Van Houten, a Dutch chemist in that year invented a press which would release the cocoa butter from the bean, leaving the dryer cake that could be ground up into a powder similar to the fat-free cocoa powder we enjoy today. Twenty years later European companies used the presses made by Van Houten to produce the first eating chocolate. By taking what was left after separating the cocoa powder from the butter, the industry saw that they could melt the cocoa butter and combine it with a blend of ground cacao beans and sugar, mix this into a paste and mold it. Edible chocolate was the final product. Chocolate appeared on the market in the United States around the turn of the twentieth century and now nearly one hundred years later is still in harmony with all who love it’s unique, rich taste.

Gourmet coffee is popular among various coffee blends. It tastes so tropical and rich and delicious. When you prepare your best blends of coffee, choose your coffee beans. You may choose a special blend of beans, an original Jamaican or Italian coffee, or even flavored coffee beans. Hosting a gourmet dinner is much more than good food. It is rich in proteins and the nutritional value is extremely high. They are inexpensive and packed full of flavor.
Gourmet gift baskets are unique to gift your loved ones. Surprise them with lot of goodies. They are suitable for all occasions. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching to express your love to that someone special. Make your beloved one’s day all the more special by giving him or her heart shaped chocolates and candy, red and pink jelly beans, or their favorite candy.

You can buy gourmets online without having to shop outside. That’s the best way to save time and money. If you are looking for savings then coupons are the right choice to get discounts. There are several stores that provide coupons but it is time consuming to search which one is offering you discounts on coupons. People are relying on coupons largely. I have come across one site that is dedicated to make aware which merchants are offering coupons and coupon codes all under one roof. That means you will find the coupons instantly after looking for a particular store or merchant. It saves your time a lot and dealing with such major discount stores will greatly save your hard earned dollars. These additional savings can be used for fun or entertainment. Besides, there are free shipping offers for which you need not pay for getting them delivered to your home. Just at the comfort of your home, search for coupons and order the items and relax. There would be great bargain offers for the coming Valentine’s Day. Take advantage of the coupons and avail discounts. With coupons you can save almost up to 50%.

There are several reputable merchants available that offer the highest quality gourmet nuts, gift baskets, candy, and chocolates at the lowest prices.

Grab them now before stock finishes and have a plenty of delightful gourmet cookies and not to forget to surprise your beloved ones with gourmet gift baskets.
test

The flavonoids, epicatechin and gallic acid in chocolate will benefit your heart. It is also said that cocoa contains a great amount of antioxidants which bring about a reduction in blood pressure. There have even been a number of diets that have been produced using chocolate as a method of losing weight. Although chocolate offers a great number of benefits it is advisable that one does not over consume chocolate as it should not become a major part of your diet – just a small enjoyment as part of a healthy diet.

Since chocolate was brought to Europe it has been considered the food of love. Stories of its properties as an aphrodisiac for the aristocrats were well known. The Spanish who brought it to Europe learnt about chocolate from the Aztecs. It was however a European tradition that each year on the 14th of February young men would court young ladies with flowers and gifts and because back then chocolate was rare and expensive it wasn’t long before this was the favourite gift given by the rich and aristocratic who were able to provide this for the object of their affections. It wasn’t long however before the secret of chocolate got out and soon chocolate houses were opening up across Europe, the best of which were and still are in Belgium. Belgium’s best Chocolatier Neuhaus Chocolates was founded in 1857 and although the are the official provider of chocolate to the Belgian Royal Family these days even chocolate as good as theirs is affordable so that everyone can enjoy them. More importantly they are affordable enough that you can give them to those you care about on Valentines Day and any other day of the year.

Well why is chocolate still so popular as a Valentines gift, is it just the marketing? Well, since Valentines Day was exported to the USA it has been used to market everything from wrapping paper and cuddly toys to expensive items such as jewellery. However why is it that the historical connection between chocolate and Valentines day has lasted the years? Well it seems there is more to it than just the, sweet, mouth watering feeling you get as it melts in your mouth leaving you wanting more and more… Scientists now know that like coffee and tea, chocolate affects the chemical reactions already taking place in our brains. Unlike coffee and tea however is not only a stimulant, it contains phenyl-ethylamine which is known to stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain released chocolate excites our pleasure centres and creates a feeling of Euphoria and increases the heart rate similar to that of a person in love or at the peak of an orgasm both of which should go down well with the recipient of your gift.

Now, despite all its psychotropic properties and ancient reputation, chocolate will probably not make a woman fall in love with you but giving her something so delightful will definitely put you in her good books… Chocolate will also stimulate men’s pleasure centres so ladies don’t be shy to by a box for your man, who knows what reaction you might get…