Ep 2. The Chocolate Rush
- TVPG
- February 14, 2021
- 60 min
In season 2 episode 2 of The Food That Built America, entitled "The Chocolate Rush," viewers are taken on a journey through the history of one of the world's most beloved treats: chocolate.
The episode starts off by exploring the origins of chocolate and how it was first consumed by ancient civilizations in Central and South America. From there, it delves into the invention of milk chocolate by Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter in the late 19th century, which revolutionized the industry and turned chocolate into the sweet indulgence we know today.
Viewers are then introduced to some of the key players in the chocolate industry, including Milton Hershey, who founded the Hershey Chocolate Company in Pennsylvania and built a chocolate empire that changed the way Americans thought about chocolate. In addition to exploring Hershey's life and legacy, the episode also takes a look at other industry giants such as Cadbury and Nestle, and their contributions to the world of chocolate.
Throughout the episode, viewers will learn about the different ways that chocolate has been marketed and sold over the years, from the early days of door-to-door salesmen to the modern era of mass-produced candy bars. They'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, from the harvesting of cocoa beans to the finished product.
As the episode progresses, viewers will see how chocolate has been used in everything from wartime rations to Valentine's Day gifts, and how it has become an important part of our cultural traditions. They'll also learn about the many challenges that chocolate makers have faced over the years, from shortages of raw materials to labor disputes and legal battles.
Ultimately, "The Chocolate Rush" is a fascinating look at the history of one of the world's most beloved foods, and how it has evolved over time to become the sweet indulgence we all know and love today. From its origins in ancient civilizations to its modern-day global dominance, chocolate has truly been a food that has built America and the world.
