The Sweet Story of Chocolate

history · food · ancient cultures · plants

Cacao trees domesticated. People in present-day Ecuador first grew cacao trees over 5,000 years ago, then introduced them to Mesoamerica where they became super important.

Drink of the gods. The Maya and Aztecs thought cacao was a gift from the gods and used it as currency, medicine, and in special ceremonies instead of regular money.

Ancient chocolate magic. Around 600 BC, people believed chocolate drinks could do amazing things and even connected them to the heart and special experiences.

Early chocolate recipes. Ancient people made different cacao drinks, including some made by fermenting the fruit pulp around the seeds, though we're not exactly sure when true chocolate first started.