1550: Europeans Discover Chocolate

(Wired) July 7, 1550: Chocolate is introduced in Europe, and the Mexican drink creates a passion that endures after nearly half a millennium.
Europe came late to the joys of chocolate. Native to Mexico, Central and South America, cacao cultivation dates to at least 1250 B.C., according to archaeologists.
Mayans grew cacao trees in their backyards and used the seeds to brew ceremonial drinks. Continued