Chocolates are truly a delightful indulgence enjoyed by many around the world. Everyone has their favorite chocolate confection, but many do not know the history of this luscious, sweet temptation.

This well-loved treat actually dates back three or even four millennia ago in a Pre-Columbian Mexico setting. And according to Pace University, it all started with a fermented drink by the Mayans and Aztecs called Xocoatl from the beans of the cocoa tree.

The Aztecs found it to be an invigorating drink and aphrodisiac. Some even believed that every cacao bean comes with mystical and spiritual qualities, and these qualities made the drink reserved for rulers, warriors and nobles. In the 1500s, the chocolate’s symbolism of wealth and power continued in Europe, when the Spanish conquistadors returned home with cacao instead of gold and silver. Soon it became a royal favorite in Europe and was still served as a beverage, only combined with sugar to counter its bitterness.

Three centuries after, the first chocolate mold was introduced in England, but did not instantly become popular because of its bitter taste. It wasn’t until a renowned Swiss chocolatier named Daniel Peter, experimented with various flavors and ingredients was the strong taste of cacao balanced. After several tries, a chocolate with a rich texture and sweet taste was finally achieved by combining cacao with one of their most abundant products at that time—milk.

This marked the creation of chocolates as we know today. Its popularity has spurred a rising number of chocolate artisans from various parts of the world to incorporate their own traditions and secret recipes in creating their signature takes on chocolates. One chocolatier from a small, idyllic town nestled in the heart of Padova, Italy called Villa del Conte stood out because of his exceptional recipe—Nazzareno Cattapan. Eventually, his exceptional recipe was bestowed to following generations, and preserving this legacy today is the third-generation chocolate connoisseur, Enrico Nazzareno. Using only handpicked cacao beans, shaped by a unique process, one can easily notice and taste the masterpiece of authentic Italian tradition.

From Italy, these artisanal chocolates reached the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines; and today, you can blissfully indulge in their luscious creations, including Praline Balls, Praline Sticks, Ovicinis, Domes, Truffles, and Neapolitans.

Visit Villa Del Conte stores at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Magnolia, or Resorts World Manila. For bulk orders of Villa del Conte chocolates, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. To know more about Villa del Conte, go to http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/. For updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh or follow them on twitter: https://twitter.com/VilladelConte