Chocolate has been consumed in various forms for literally thousands of years. Not the commercially produced milk chcocolate that we know, love and try to avoid these days but in a much more natural form.

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Here are some quick chocolate facts that have been well documented...

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1. The Olmecs of South America left evidence of theobromine - a stimulant found in chocolate - from around 1500BC

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2. The Mayan civilization believed cacao - later the word was changed to cocoa - was a food sent to them by the Gods.

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3. The Aztecs also revered chocolate and considered it to be a food from the Gods

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4. Cocoa beans were currency for many centuries and often used as wages for soldiers.

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5. Although considered to be for the upper-classes in Aztec times, chocolate was also enjoyed by the lower classes at celebration events

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6. Ancient civilizations used chocolate as a healing aid for many ailments, including burns and sores.

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7. There are a couple of different theories of when chocolate came to Europe but what is sure is that by the late sixteenth century, chocolate was well established in Spain and other European countries.

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8. Europeans weren't crazy about the bitter taste so mixed it with cane sugar, and different spices.

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9. For most of the 1800's, chocolate was enjoyed as a drink, mixed with milk or water. In the French culture, many people still enjoy a bowl of hot chocolate for breakfast - with maybe a pain au chocolat or a croissant.

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10. By the late 19th century and early 20th century, chocolate was mass produced and had little resemblance to the original cocoa bean.

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11. Dark chocolate - with cocoa solids of 85% - has been scientifically shown to have anti-oxidant properties and has become a 'heart healthy' food. We seem to have come full circle on this one!

Always looking for fascinating facts about chocolate and I'll add them to this page as and when they come up.