The chocolate that we enjoy today starts out looking like nothing remotely appetizing. It all begins south of the equator in large pods that grow on the cacao tree. Ready for a field trip? Let’s go.
From the halls of Montezuma
Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations used to give the cacao tree an important place in society. The Mayans and the Aztecs used to use cocoa beans as currency. Crushed cocoa beans were used to make a bitter liquid called xocoatl. Only royalty and the best military warriors could gain access to the drink.
It wasn’t until European settlers came to South America and
Who knew that chocolate didn’t just grow that way on the vine? Oh well, at least the manufacturers take the time to turn Montezuma’s elixir into our sweet obsession.
