Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma

Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma's 'Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke' is a groundbreaking early text on the cultural and medicinal importance of chocolate. Published in 1644, this work delves into the history and uses of chocolate, including its consumption by indigenous peoples in the Americas. Colmenero de Ledesma explores the various ways in which chocolate can be prepared and consumed, highlighting its therapeutic properties and widespread popularity. Written in a detailed and informative style, this book is a fascinating glimpse into the early European understanding of this beloved food item. The author's thorough research and passion for the subject shine through in every page. Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma, a Spanish physician, was likely inspired to write 'Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke' due to his keen interest in the medicinal properties of plants and foods. His expertise in the field of medicine lends credibility to the information presented in the book. I highly recommend 'Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke' to readers interested in the history of chocolate, food culture, or herbal medicine. It is a valuable resource for understanding the early perceptions of this beloved treat.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 22
• Erscheinungstermin: 21. November 2022
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547420026
• Artikelnr.: 67137258

Autorenporträt

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.