- Duration
- 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Product Type
- Lecture
Lecture Details
Photos & Highlights
- Presented by the same world-class experts as our walking tours, Context Lectures highlight must-see attractions, reveal hidden landmarks, and explore the best things to do during your trip so you don’t miss a thing.
Lecture Description
In this overview of the world’s favorite flavor, culinary historian Michael Krondl explores the social history of chocolate from its pre-Columbian origins to the Hershey’s bar. The session touches on all the subjects forbidden in polite conversation: sex, religion, and money.
Meet Your Expert
Author Michael Krondl writes about food and history. He has penned several books, including The Taste of Conquest: The Rise and Fall of the Three Great Cities of Spices and Sweet Invention: A History of Dessert among others. He has edited and contributed to several Oxford University Press volumes on food and culture, including The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets. He teaches at the New School and the City University of New York and has lectured at multiple venues including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, and San Francisco’s Exploratorium.
Chocolate has long been considered an aphrodisiac and continues to be a favorite Valentine’s Day gift; it was long forbidden to priests for this very reason though that didn’t seem to stop Quaker industrialists from making a fortune from it; it was once, quite literally currency while today it is mired in controversy due to exploitative labor practices. It is indeed a fascinating if sweet and bitter tale. Join your expert, and esteemed culinary historian, Michael Krondl, as you embark on a delectable journey sure to open your eyes to the hidden history of the world's favorite sweet: chocolate.
How do I access the lecture?
Once you complete your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to stream the lecture on the Context Travel website. You can also access your past purchases anytime under My Orders. Please ensure you are logged into your account to open the streaming page.
Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our lectures have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.
How long does each event last?
Our recorded lectures typically run for 75 minutes.
How can I share this lecture with friends or family?
You are welcome to watch together with friends or family but each person viewing on their own device will need to purchase the lecture individually.
How long does my access to the lecture last?
Once you purchase a lecture, you are welcome to view it as many times as you like and your access does not expire.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded lectures are final upon purchase. Please contact us at digital@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.
Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
"Delicious Topic! This was a very comprehensive look at a favorite treat, chocolate. From how and where the cacao plant grows clear through to the current geopolitical aspects of its production, this seminar was so enlightening. Loved the history and variations created over the centuries also. Most interesting was the story of chocolate as it evolved in America in foods, drinks, cereal, candy. Speaker even discussed its ingestion by children vs adults (with distinction between men and women, who knew?). The closure brought up the issues regarding cacao production in Africa (mainly) and use of child labor using dangerous instruments (e.g., machetes). I learned a lot and will re-watch to ensure I remember more."
– Sandra S., viewing from Boston, MA
"An excellent look at one of our favourite foods from many point of view. Most worthwhile seminar with both the light and the dark (excuse the pun) sides. So interesting about Mars bars and their "lack" of chocolate...and the women who helped make chocolate a normal item in home baking."
– J., viewing from Vancouver, CA
3 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
This was a very comprehensive look at a favorite treat, chocolate. From how and where the cacao plant grows clear through to the current geopolitical aspects of its production, this seminar was so enlightening. Loved the history and variations created over the centuries also. Most interesting was the story of chocolate as it evolved in America in foods, drinks, cereal, candy. Speaker even discussed its ingestion by children vs adults (with distinction between men and women, who knew?). The closure brought up the issues regarding cacao production in Africa (mainly) and use of child labor using dangerous instruments (e.g., machetes). I learned a lot and will re-watch to ensure I remember more.
Sandra
Mar. 11, 2023
I probably didn't read the description, just thought it was about yummy chocolate (for a foodie). But Michael presented a fascinating social history of chocolate, gave me a lot to think about. Great presentation
Marie
Mar. 7, 2023
Most worthwhile seminar with both the light and the dark (excuse the pun) sides. So interesting about Mars bars and their "lack" of chocolate...and the women who helped make chocolate a normal item in home baking.
J
Mar. 6, 2023
