Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke (eBook)

Antonio Colmenero De Ledesma (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
22 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654742002-6 (EAN)

Infos

In "Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke," Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma presents a captivating exploration of cacao, intertwining the botanical, cultural, and culinary dimensions of chocolate. Written in the 17th century, this early treatise reflects the burgeoning interest in exotic substances following the Age of Exploration. Colmenero's literary style combines scientific observation with vivid descriptive language, inviting readers to understand the significance of chocolate not merely as a drink, but as an emblem of luxury and social status in European society. The book situates itself within the broader context of the Spanish Baroque period, characterized by an interplay between emerging scientific inquiry and cultural indulgence. Colmenero, a Spanish physician and explorer, was deeply influenced by his experiences in the New World, where he encountered cacao in its native environment. His background in medicine informs his detailed descriptions of the drink's purported health benefits, reflecting the 17th-century fascination with the medicinal uses of tropical botanicals. As a bridge between continents, Colmenero's work not only shares knowledge but also highlights the complex global interactions of his time. "Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke" is a must-read for anyone interested in the origins of one of the world's most beloved indulgences. It provides invaluable insights into the interplay of culture, economy, and the culinary arts, making it an essential addition to the libraries of historians, culinary enthusiasts, and scholars alike.

Autor

Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma was a significant figure in the historical dissemination of chocolate in European culture. A Spanish physician and surgeon of the late Renaissance, Colmenero de Ledesma penned what is considered one of the foundational texts on chocolate in the West, 'Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke' (first published in Spanish in 1631 as 'Chocolata Inda'), which was translated into several languages. In this treatise, he shared his knowledge of the New World's beverage, including its preparation and supposed medicinal properties. His work reflects the interchange of knowledge between the Old World and the New after the Columbian exchange, epitomizing the merging of indigenous American practices with European dietary habits. Colmenero de Ledesma's text not only provides recipes for chocolate but also engages with the cultural and medical context of the 17th century, discussing the humoral theory prevalent at the time and chocolate's place within it. His writing style is informative yet accessible, aiming to enlighten the European readership about this exotic drink that had become a symbol of luxury and refinement. His book played a part in popularizing chocolate as a beverage in Europe, laying the groundwork for how it would be consumed for centuries to come. Colmenero de Ledesma's contributions to the literature on chocolate and his efforts to bridge cultural practices affirm his importance in the culinary and scholarly world of his time.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 21.11.2022
• Übersetzer: James Wadsworth
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Essen / Trinken ► Themenkochbücher
• Schlagworte: 17th century literature • Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma works • Baroque style • Chocolate • chocolate history book • Chocolate preparation methods • colonial era commodities • colonial exploration narratives • colonial medicine • Culinary history • culinary history literature • cultural assimilation • Cultural history chocolate • Early European perceptions • early modern European literature • Early works to 1800 • ethnobotany • European Tastes • Historical food medicine • historical gastronomy • historical gastronomy texts • indigenous food traditions • Medicinal chocolate uses • Natural history General • New World narratives • Pharmacology Insights • pre-Enlightenment authors • Seventeenth-century beverage • Spanish Empire • spanish literature classics • Spanish physician writings • Transatlantic culinary exchange • Transatlantic Trade