Cocoa pods from Ambanja, Madagascar

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Cocoa pods, Madagascar

Few people can say no to the rich deliciousness of chocolate, but only a few know much about its origin. Chocolate has a fascinating history that can be traced back to the indigenous Olmec people of Mesoamerica, who dried and fermented the pods of the cacao tree to create an unsweetened alcoholic beverage. The solid chocolate bars we love today came much later, in the 19th century, when J.S. Fry and Sons put them into production. Soon, iconic brands like Cadbury and Mars followed suit. What's your favourite kind of chocolate? Whether it's the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, or the bitterness of super dark chocolate, one thing that remains the same is the heartwarming comfort it provides.