Chocolate Candy - Page 2
Saint Valentine himself has been associated strongly with chocolate candy, though this connection has no historical basis in fact. Perhaps the reason is that both chocolate and Saint Valentine are approximately 2,000 years old - though chocolate candy was nowhere near creation during Valentine’s lifetime. Saint Valentine, a Roman priest, became the patron saint of lovers due to his secretly marrying happy couples after Emperor Claudius forbade such unions. While Valentine carried out these romantically illegal ceremonies, the Aztecs had already discovered the delights of chocolate, and drank chocolate concoctions at their own weddings, believing the substance provided universal power and wisdom. Perhaps Saint Valentine would have enjoyed a box of chocolate candy, as modern Cupids believe.
One man took advantage of combining the celebration of Saint Valentine with the delectable flavor of chocolate. In 1861, when cacao production became affordable to the masses thanks in large part to the popularity of chocolate cake, Richard Cadbury produced the first chocolate candy - packaged in a heart-shaped box in honor of Valentine’s Day. A legend was born, and boxes of chocolate candy from Cadbury were suddenly in high demand. The world’s love of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate candy rapidly expanded production from a seasonal treat to a year-round staple. Hence the chocolate candy established its rein as the monarch of sweets.
Soon after, the world saw the rise of Milton Hershey, who arrived on the chocolate scene with a whole new way to enjoy chocolate candy: Hershey chocolate bars. In 1900, Milton Hershey decided to make the sweet, delightful treat of milk chocolate, a dessert previously enjoyed only by the wealthy, available for everyone. Hershey built what is still the world’s largest chocolate candy factory in his home town of Derry Church, Pennsylvania, which has since become Hershey, Pennsylvania, in honor of Milton’s grand achievements - behold the power of chocolate! The chocolate candy known as the Hershey bar has evolved from the classic squares to Hershey bars with almonds, Special Dark chocolate, and most recently, Hershey’s Cookies N’ Cream. Hershey bars remain one of the most popular chocolate candies manufactured today. Additionally, the Hershey company was responsible for the most iconic chocolate candy the world over: the tiny but powerfully flavored Hershey Kiss. Today, there are over 20 million Hershey Kisses produced at the enormous Hershey factory every single day, and the chocolate candy line of treat has involved to include giant Hershey kisses, filled Hershey kisses such as caramel and peanut butter, and specialty flavored Hershey kisses like dark chocolate and chocolate mint. For chocolate candy lovers, there is a Hershey kiss for every palate.
