The History of Chocolate
Theobromo Cacao, "Food of Gods"
The "chocolate tree" originated in South America's Amazon basin. With
its roots in the tropical rainforest, the cocoa tree has been part of
human culture for 2000 years. The official name of the cocoa tree is
Theobroma cacao ("Theobroma" is Latin for "food of the gods").
Cocoa Before Columbus
The Aztec and Mayans of Central America cultivated cocoa trees long before the arrival of
European explorers. These Mesoamerican Indians were the first to create a drink from crushed
cocoa beans mixed with water and flavorings such as chili peppers, vanilla, and other spices.
It was a special beverage reserved for Mayan rulers and special ceremonies.
MONTEZUMA, the Aztec emperor, was said to drink up to 50 goblets of chocolate per day. |
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CORTEZ VISITS MONTEZUMA. (Courtesy: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co.) |
Cocoa Beans as Currency
The Mayans used cocoa beans as currency. According to a 16th century
Spanish chronicle, a rabbit was worth 10 cocoa beans and a mule cost
50 beans.
The European Connection
The invading Spaniards learned about cocoa from the Aztec Indians in the 1500s and
brought this fascinating "new" food back to Europe. In Spain, chocolate was a drink served
only to royalty. They drank it hot, flavored with sugar and honey. Chocolate slowly spread
across the royal courts of Europe, and by the 17th century it was an expensive luxury reserved
for the upper class.
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