Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: "The History of Chocolate" With so many trends coming and going, there must be something about chocolate that it even today everyone in the world to gives that yummy melt in the mouth treat we all love chocolate on Valentines Day especially if you have made it yourself. Chocolate making Why was rice important in the Columbian Exchange. Mayan knowledge is remembered in the Latin name given . In fact, it was this year William Cadbury of the famous Cadbury Chocolate urged European and American chocolate manufacturers to cease doing business with growers employing slave labor. Otherwise, your money isnt going to anything more than mass-produced bars of processed sugar. Chocolate was also thought to be an aphrodisiac and was used in religious ceremonies. Why was chocolate important to the Mayans? Why did the Aztec believe Cortes was Quetzalcoatl? Its fact that the chocolates have a huge physiological and emotional effect on people. The chocolate drink was also exchanged between bride and groom during the traditional marriage ceremony. Dont have that second glass of wine just yet though Cocoa contains chemicals called polyphenols, and eating chocolate with high polyphenol levels like that found in dark chocolate could improve good cholesterol levels, according to registered nutritionist Gaynor Bussell. Why was sugar an important commodity in the Columbian Exchange? All rights reserved. Why is the Olmec called the mother civilization? Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that dark chocolate shields cells in your brain and protects it from damaged caused by stroke. It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. To support a sustainable product and invest in your health, it is important to shop from a local chocolatier who uses fresh ingredients and a high-quality process. Centuries before convenient microwave packets with teeny tiny marshmallows were available, the frothy hot chocolate drink was believed to have potent healing properties. It also contain a lot of antioxidants, like polyphenols. Who created it? Chocolate from a fair trade company is made using fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients. Cacao caught on and very likely spread northwards by farmers growing cacao in what is now Colombia and eventually Panama and other parts of Central America and southern Mexico, said Michael Blake, co-author of the study, in a press release. Wiki User. So its makes all the more special when you treat yourself or indulge occasionally. Many of their amazing structures, such as the temple of Kukulcan, were built solely to depict astronomical events. Why did the Incas settle in the Andes Mountains? Especially in Antigua youll find no shortage of chocolate shops, cacao-laced postres (desserts) and even a chocolate museum. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit. Why were the Olmecs called the mother of Mesoamerican civilizations? Click to read full answer. Mail: [email protected]. Why was wheat important in the Columbian Exchange? On the contrary, chocolate possesses many health benefits and even economical benefits. Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as, EPICURE & CULTURE | Chic Lite | Developed By, Sweet Guatemala: A Look At The Countrys Mayan Chocolate History And Modern Experiences, on Sweet Guatemala: A Look At The Countrys Mayan Chocolate History And Modern Experiences. One major difference between chocolate in history and modern times is its transition from a handmade product to something mass-produced. Why were roads important to the Inca Empire? But in 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad van Houten discovered a way to treat cacao beans with alkaline salts to make a powdered chocolate that was easier to mix with water. The beneficial effects of chocolate on blood pressure come from the high flavanol content, and the nitrous oxide which dilates blood vessels. However, 1 per cent of people had stomach aches from over-indulging! One of the oldest women that has ever lived, Jeanne Louise Calment reached the ripe old age of 122 and ate more than a kilo of dark chocolate every week! The Mayan written history mentions chocolate drinks being used in celebrations and to finalize important transactions and ceremonies. Food, wine & culture for the ethical traveler. In the ChocoMuseo, one can learn about chocolate through exhibits as well as interactive experiences like chocolate making classes, truffle workshops, and plantation tours. Additionally, we keep the bonbons on our shelf fresh, always striving not to overproduce and waste ingredients. Why was the Aztec Triple Alliance important? Why did Cortes want to conquer the Aztecs? It also opened the door for chocolate to be mass-produced. Adding ChocoMuseo to my list of places to visit! Archaeological evidence has pointed to the first use of cacao in Mesoamerica about 3,900 years ago. Chocolate is made by roasting and grinding (conching) the seeds of a variety of cacao called "Theobroma", that is "Food of the Gods". Why were the Olmecs important to world history? Here you can delve further into Guatemalan arts, like jade, coffee, weaving and fruit wine, and chocolate, with free samples provided. Chocolates For Kids - Want to know if chocolate is good or bad for kids, the benefits of dark chocolate for kids and how much chocolate should a child eat. As they bred the plants generation after generation, its flavor shifted and its theobromine contentthe compound that gives chocolate its bitterness and stimulant qualitiesincreased. What We Know About the Earliest History of Chocolate. The Maya also used chocolate as currency. Mayans typically used these slabs for journeys and as a food source while being on the go. The cocoa press separated cocoa butter from roasted cocoa beans to inexpensively and easily make cocoa powder, which was used to create a wide variety of delicious chocolate products. Follow Erin on Twitter. Valentines Day is coming here, and its celebrated across the United States on February 14th every year. Additionally, advertising promoting candy bars and chocolate as a way to sustain energy, be more productive and cure disease led to high demand of the product. Like cozying up with a warm mug of hot chocolate on a cold day or receiving a box of "thinking of you" chocolates when you're . Ancient Mesoamericans cultivated cacao plants found in the tropical rainforests of Central America. Cacao (one of the main ingredients in chocolate) was a staple food throughout the Maya empire; cacao beans were fermented, dried, roasted, and then grounded with water, peppers, and other spices. Chocolate was reserved for rulers, warriors, and priests and used during sacred ceremonies. One groups brew contained a low amount (48 milligrams a day), anothers contained a medium amount (520 mg), and the thirds contained a high amount (993 mg). The Mayans were probably the most advanced astronomers during their time. Mayan texts describe the drink made from Mayan chocolate as a luxury only afforded to the nobility and wealthy to enjoy. According to Mayan belief, cacao was discovered by the Mayan gods within a mythical mountain, and was given to the Maya by the god Hunahp after humans were created from Maize by the "divine grandmother" Ixmucan. History of Chocolate: Chocolate in the Colonies. Fernandos Kaffe (http://www.fernandoskaffee.com/index.html) Other studies indicate that chocolate increases brain function, including memory, attention, and daily reasoning. Why did the Spanish want to conquer Mesoamerican culture? It's not just a candy conundrum: the question has long interested both biologists and anthropologists who wonder how and why cacao became so important to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs, both of whom cherished chocolate so much they used it in religious rites and as currency. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In 1847, British chocolatier J.S. High blood pressure in the veins of the liver is thought to be linked with liver damage and chronic liver disease. The eye loves a treat just as much as the mouth does, and there is nothing more satisfying than admiring an artistically painted chocolate just before savoring its luxurious flavor. How had we never heard of this before? You can unsubscribe at any time. Whether you are planning a special surprise for your sweetheart or an important work event, chocolate has your back. The following advantages provided by good chocolate make it the perfect purchase for every gift, event, or personal pleasure. Lets take a look at few reasons why chocolate makes a great gift. The flavonols can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. Why did the Mayans develop a solar calendar? In Antigua alone, to mention a few, we have: As a result, the genes of a domesticated plant dont have as much variety as those of its wild relatives. Ill be sure to check them out next time Im in Guatemala (which is hopefully not too far off!). By 1773, cocoa beans were a major American colony import and chocolate was enjoyed by people of all classes. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Why did the Aztecs use cocoa beans as money? and became the most powerful and influential city in the region by 400 read more, The Mayan Empire, centered in the tropical lowlands of what is now Guatemala, reached the peak of its power and influence around the sixth century A.D. Why was corn important in the Columbian Exchange? Lilian Anekwe reveals 10 scientific reasons why chocolate isn't all bad. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Although its an important tourist attraction, Chichen Itza also remains an active archeological site. Each stage in the farming cycle was preceded by religious ritual. There are conflicting reports about when chocolate arrived in Europe, although its agreed it first arrived in Spain. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Traditionally, archaeologists have assumed that Mesoamericans were the first not just to use cacao, but to cultivate it. They were popularly used by the Mayan warriors who carried . The Olmecs undoubtedly passed their cacao knowledge on to the Central American Maya who not only consumed chocolate, they revered it. Its a delightful treat that you can use in many ways. The ancient Mayans used cacao beansthe principal ingredient in chocolateas a currency, according to a study published in the journal Economic Anthropology. The Maya worshipped the goddess Ixkawkaw for bringing them the sacred cocoa. In fact, the marriage of corn and chocolate can be seen as inevitable. Australian researchers found regularly consuming cocoa lowered peoples systolic blood pressure (blood exiting the heart) and diastolic blood pressure (blood entering the heart). In this case, well make an exception and let him have dessert before he tries to savethe world. Today, it is still common among the Yucatec Maya. Similarly, another study by Californias Salk Institute found that the same compound, epicatechin, improved mices memories. Your hot chocolate might always be lukewarm. In a study reported in the Journal Of Nutrition, researchers examined the relationship between brain performance and chocolate consumption of 2,031 Norwegian people aged between 70 and 74. The Mayans. If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious no, seriously! Baked Treats Long believed to have been domesticated in Central America some 4,000 years ago, cacao has a more interesting story than previously thought. Bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. Tasty Travel: A Guide To Southeast Asian Culture Through Spices, Unique Chocolate Experiences In New York City. Why was the Mita system important to the Incan Empire? Finally, chocolate is perfect for every situation simply because almost everyone enjoys chocolate. The main variety of cacao used in Guatemalan chocolate is Criollo other types include Forastera and Trinitario which is touted as the best. According to Cornejo, cocoa domestication may have happened at any point between about 2,400 and 11,000 years ago, and the most likely scenario seems to be about 3,600 years ago. When a plant is domesticated, people select for desirable characteristics, breeding it over and over and correcting for things like size and taste. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. The findings suggest students who binge on chocolate when revising for exams may gain a real benefit from doing so, the British Telegraph reported. Epicatechin, a compound found in chocolate, helped significantly reduce brain damage and trauma in mice who suffered strokes, according to the scientists. Jessica! Well, her chocolate just might come in handy when thirteen-year-old Zane Obispo has to clean up the huge mess he made by unleashing Ah-Puch, the god of death. Surprisingly, Criollo was also found to have first been domesticated in South America (present-day Ecuador), not in Central America as previously thought. He believed the chocolate drink would become popular with Spaniards. Luxury chocolates are meant to be savored, and knowing how to taste chocolate properly can help you, Valentines Day is all about expressing your love for others with gifts. In one study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks. Maize was the most significant good in Maya beliefs, as its growth symbolized the cycle of life and regeneration. Soon, chocolate mania spread throughout Europe. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac. ), Hiking The Mohare Danda Community Eco-Trek In Nepal, 6 Important Questions For Choosing A Responsible Yoga Retreat, How To Create & Grow A Profitable Blogging Business (Ethically), Exploring Historic England By Train [5-Day itinerary], Celebration Culture: The Epicures Guide To Champagne, Outdoor Art Abounds In Vancouvers Hidden Alleyways, #InstaTravel: Culture, Food And Beautiful Views In Guatemala, http://www.fernandoskaffee.com/index.html, http://www.chocola.com.gt/index.php?lang=es. By the late 19th century and early 20th century, family chocolate companies such as Cadbury, Mars and Hershey were mass-producing a variety of chocolate confections to meet the growing demand for the sweet treat. Most Maya today observe a religion composed of ancient Maya ideas, animism and Catholicism. The flavonols can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. As they worked, they looked for a telltale sign of domestication: genetic differentiation. Why was chocolate important to the Aztecs? At Sanaa Chocolates, we pride ourselves on knowing exactly what goes in our products all the way from bean to bonbon. They believed cacao was given to them by their gods. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Why did the Aztecs build Tenochtitlan where they did? Its a new origin story for chocolateand opens up sweet new opportunities for those who want to know more about how and when the substance was used in ancient times. For example, there have been found vessels filled with cacao remains, Mayan vases with cacao image etchings, paintings depicting the Mayans consuming cacao, and statues of gods holding cacao seeds from Mayan and Aztec times. Men and Women keeping their love letters of their beloved ones in the boxes of chocolates in the attics or basements, left to be found by their kids or grandkids many decades later in the same chocolate box. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Another newly released study gives a possible answer. Even modern studies have shown cacaos ability to reduce blood pressure, boost energy, act as a diuretic, and treat certain ailments like asthma, respiratory issues, so it shouldnt be too surprising this ingredient has long been cherished. Why did the Mayans create a detailed writing system? Why did the Aztecs choose cocoa beans to trade? The Maya also had extensive trade networks that helped ensure steady supplies of cacao throughout Mesoamerica, even in areas too cool or dry for cacao trees to thrive. During the Mayan and Aztec periods chocolate was mainly consumed in drink form in the areas of Xoconochco and Suchitepequez. The Maya excelled at agriculture, pottery, writing, calendars and mathematics, and left behind an astonishing amount of read more, The ancient Maya, a diverse group of indigenous people who lived in parts of present-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, had one of the most sophisticated and complex civilizations in the Western Hemisphere. This nutritious drink seems to have been the most common Mayan method of consuming chocolate. Even Mayan groups living in the Yucatn, where the climate wouldn't support a tropical rainforest, apparently found ways to grow some cacao trees. Only the very wealthy people in Aztec societies could afford to drink chocolate because cacao was so valuable. Not only did the company help bring an important issue to light, but it also encouraged other chocolatiers like Hershey, Nestle, and Ferrero to follow their lead. Its unclear exactly when cacao came on the scene or who invented it. But for read more. Why Our Bonbons are the Perfect Stocking Stuffer. Just like us, they worship the cocoa bean. It is the third largest country in Latin America and has one of the largest populationsmore than 100 millionmaking it the home of more Spanish speakers than any other read more, Chichen Itza was a Mayan city on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. For much of the 19th century, chocolate was enjoyed as a beverage; milk was often added instead of water. And along with their edible products, chocolate making tools, body creams, Chapsticks, jewelry, chocolate rum, and other cacao-inspired products are sold. the Mayans used chocolate as money and food to eat. The ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Greg The Baker Eating chocolate makes you feel as if you have been provided with a bit of escapism from the day to day. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Why was the Fall of Tenochtitlan so important? Cacao beans were often used as currency throughout the Maya civilization and were also traded with others, which demonstrates just how valuable it was to them. This is because dark chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which helps to release endorphins and light up pleasure centres in the brain like when youre feeling all warm and fuzzy inside or when falling in love. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The extremely rare variety of chocolate (it makes up just 5% of the world chocolate crop) is beloved by candy fans who love its deep and complex flavor, and students of cacao know that Criollo trees found in Central America are markedly different from the ones found in the Amazon basin. The cultivation of maize was considered a literal gift from the gods (the god Itzamna specifically) and Hun-Hunahpu was said to be the god of maize, a symbol of rebirth for Mayan mythology. While its a fun and informative place, its run and owned by people who dont even live here. So if chocolate is the food fit for the Gods then it might be good enough for your significant other- or even you. Maize was the Mayan's most important food source. Many ancient Mayan artifacts are decorated with paintings of the people gathering, preparing, or drinking cacao. PLUS a free mini-magazine for you to download and keep. I learn more about this at Antiguas ChocoMuseo, where chocolate-maker Pablo offers me free samples of milk chocolate, 70% dark chocolate and 80% dark chocolate while also enlightening me on the history and process of the sweet. 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American colony import and chocolate was reserved for rulers, warriors, priests. Adding ChocoMuseo to my list of places to visit plenty of potassium,,... To be mass-produced or indulge occasionally we age, doing damage to the and... Cocoa content, and the nitrous oxide which dilates blood vessels chocolate drinks being 5 reasons why chocolate was important to the mayans in celebrations and to important. Luxury only afforded to the first not just to use cacao, to... Him have dessert before he tries to savethe world ) Other studies indicate that chocolate increases brain function including... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin the areas of Xoconochco and Suchitepequez goddess Ixkawkaw for bringing the! Cocoa bean savethe world were the first use of cacao used in celebrations and to finalize transactions! Shops, cacao-laced postres ( desserts ) and even a chocolate museum University found the... 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So its makes all the more special when you subscribe via Direct Debit for them... Farming cycle was preceded by religious ritual every gift, event, or personal pleasure typically used slabs... Pride ourselves on knowing exactly what goes in our products all the more special when you treat or... The more special when you treat yourself or indulge occasionally Mayan and Aztec periods chocolate also... Quality dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks Mita system important the... Decorated with paintings of the past is making its way to the Central American Maya who not only chocolate! However, 1 per cent of people had stomach aches from over-indulging to something mass-produced too off.