A Sweet Journey Through Time
Our passion for desserts goes beyond just the delicious taste. We are fascinated by the rich history and cultural significance of these sweet treats. The word "dessert" comes from the French word "desservir," meaning "to clear the table," and it refers to the final course of a meal.
- Ancient Times: Sweets were offered to the gods in Mesopotamia, India, and other ancient civilizations. Dried fruit and honey were some of the earliest sweeteners.
- The Spread of Sugar: Sugarcane, originally from Southeast Asia, was grown and refined in India before 500 BC. It was traded to Macedonia by 300 BC and China by 600 AD. The spread of sugarcane around the world was essential to the development of dessert.
- European Desserts: Europeans began to manufacture sugar in the Middle Ages, making more sweet desserts available. However, sugar was expensive, so only the wealthy could indulge on special occasions.
- The Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution in Europe and America led to the mass production of foodstuffs, including desserts. Frozen foods, including desserts, became very popular starting in the 1920s.
From ancient honey cakes to modern-day gourmet chocolates, desserts have evolved from simple indulgences to intricate, artistic expressions of culinary craftsmanship.