Milk, Dark & White Chocolate (photos by Rick Tango)

According to a Reuters report posted on Yahoo! News, "The chocolate enjoyed around the world today had its origins at least 3,100 years ago in Central America not as the sweet treat people now crave but as a celebratory beer-like beverage and status symbol."

Researchers have discovered evidence of the cacao plant in pottery vessels dating from about 1100 BC in Puerto Escondido, Honduras. The cacao plant is the source of chocolate. The discovery predates by 500 years prior evidence of cacao use in Mesoamerica. Cacao was an important luxury commodity among the Aztecs and other civilizations before the arrival of Europeans.

We're guessing that chocolate lovers will be around for at least another 3,000 years!

If you'd like to read the Reuters report cited above go to: Chocolate began as beer-like brew 3,100 years ago

If you’d like to try fantastic chocolate from Theo, our favorite chocolate maker, click on any of the following:

Theo Organic Chocolate Confections

Organic Chocolate from Ghana's Cacao

Organic Chocolate from the Ivory Coast's Cacao

Organic Bread & Chocolate Bars

If you'd like to try a handmade chocolate cheesecake so rich it's almost sinful go to: Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

If you'd like to try a wonderful Tex-Mex recipe calling for chocolate go to: Mole Sauce