Final answer:
Chocolate is derived from cacao trees, not brown cows. These trees are cultivated in climates near the equator and have been historically significant since ancient civilizations. The majority of today's cacao production comes from West Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chocolate does not come from brown cows; it originates from the cacao tree. These trees thrive in warm, moist climates near the equator. The process of making chocolate begins with the harvesting of cacao pods, which contain seeds enveloped in a pulpy mass. Inside these seeds are cacao beans. After harvesting, the beans undergo fermentation, then they are dried, roasted, and ground into a paste which forms the basis of chocolate.
The history of chocolate goes back to ancient civilizations like the Olmec, who consumed it as early as 400 BCE. The Mayans and Aztecs followed, with the latter even using cacao beans as currency. Eventually, after Christopher Columbus brought cacao beans back to Europe, the chocolate drink became widely popular there, creating a long-standing global appreciation for this treat.
Today, the majority of the world's cacao is produced in West Africa, with Ivory Coast being the largest producer. Chocolate's historical significance can be traced back to Meso-America and has become an integral part of cultures worldwide.