CHOCOLATE JOURNEY

Chocolate – the rich, luxurious treat we all love – has a history as fascinating as its taste.
Long before it became the delicious bean-to-bar indulgence we know today, chocolate had
sacred roots in ancient civilizations. Let’s look back at how the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs
embraced cacao and turned it into something much more than just a drink.

The Origins of Chocolate with the Olmecs
Our story starts thousands of years ago in Central America, where the Olmecs,
one of the first civilizations of the Americas, domesticated cacao around 3,800 years ago. They called it kakawa – the word we know today
as cacao. Though we don’t have written records from the Olmecs, archaeologists have found traces of the cacao chemical theobromine in ancient pots. These elegant vessels hint that cacao was used in special rituals and possibly religious ceremonies. Imagine sipping a sacred
cacao drink out of a beautifully crafted pot – chocolate was clearly more than just a tasty treat to these people!

The Mayan Cacao Culture
The Maya, who came after the Olmecs, took their love for cacao even further. It wasn’t just a beverage; it was a key part of their Civilization. Cacao was sacred, used in religious ceremonies, and a symbol of prestige. In fact, three of the last rulers of the Mayan city of Tikal were known as “Lord Cacao.” They even used cacao beans as currency! You could trade a few beans for food or use them to make big purchases
– cacao was literally money. But the Mayans didn’t just stop at currency and rituals. They believed cacao was a powerful symbol of life and fertility. Children were baptized with a cacao mixture during ceremonies, and chocolate was used in marriage rituals. The iconic frothy chocolate drink we think of today was just one of many ways they enjoyed cacao. They added all sorts of flavourings, including chili, vanilla, and herbs,
creating complex and bitter drinks – nothing like the sweet chocolate we’re used to today!

THE AZTECS TAKE

The Aztecs Take Cacao to New Heights
By the time the Aztecs rose to power in the 14th
century, cacao had evolved into a symbol of status and wealth. They believed that cacao was
a divine gift from the god Quetzalcoatl and used it in lavish ceremonies. The Aztecs prepared
their chocolate drinks with spices, maize, and sometimes even flowers, creating a rich, spicy
brew that was served in large, ornate goblets. It was the drink of the elite, with the emperor
Montezuma II reportedly downing up to 50 cups of chocolate a day!
Cacao wasn’t just a drink to the Aztecs – it was a key part of their economy. Much like the
Mayans, they used cacao beans as currency, trading them for goods and services. This
powerful little bean held both spiritual significance and economic value, connecting them to
their gods and each other.

From Sacred to Global: The Spread of Chocolate When Spanish explorers arrived in
Central America, they were amazed by the importance of cacao in Mesoamerican culture.
The Spanish brought chocolate back to Europe, and over time, it spread across the world,
evolving into the sweet treat we know today. It’s incredible to think that this sacred drink
once used in ancient ceremonies has travelled so far, becoming a global favourite. Now, cacao is grown in countries like Ecuador, Ghana, and Madagascar, continuing the long tradition of chocolate-making. Whether it’s a creamy milk chocolate bar or a rich, dark chocolate truffle, every bite carries with it the history of the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs –the original chocolate lovers. So next time you enjoy a piece of chocolate, take a moment to appreciate the long journey it’s
been on. From the sacred cacao ceremonies of ancient Mesoamerica to the decadent chocolates of today, it’s a delicious piece of history!