National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

The story

National Chocolate Covered Anything Day is rooted in the rich history of chocolate, which traces back to Mesoamerica around 1900 BC. Initially enjoyed as fermented beverages by the Aztecs, cacao seeds held significant value, even serving as currency. With its journey to Europe in the sixteenth century, chocolate transformed from a frothy, unsweetened beverage to a sweet delight, captivating European aristocrats. The term “chocolate” first appeared in print in England in 1604. The eighteenth century witnessed the rise of chocolate as a fashionable drink in Europe, and by 1765, the first chocolate manufacturing took place in the United States. The nineteenth century saw the birth of chocolate candy bars, with Cadbury leading the way in 1842, and the introduction of milk chocolate by Daniel Peter in 1875. Milton S. Hershey's entrepreneurial spirit in the early twentieth century marked a significant chapter, leading to the creation of the Hershey bar in 1900 and the iconic Hershey's Kiss in 1907. The history of chocolate extended beyond pleasure during World War II, with Hershey providing troops with Ration D bars. Despite the mystery surrounding the origin of National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, the celebration is deeply intertwined with chocolate's global journey, evolving and being embraced by diverse cultures over the centuries.