| Though many people are becoming familiar with the | | | | When Hernan Cortes fist began the conquest of |
| numerous health benefits included in cocoa beans, it's | | | | Mexico, he came into contact with Montezuma II, who |
| also important to realize the history of this important | | | | was the current emperor over the Aztecs. In the |
| “superfood”. Since cocoa beans have now | | | | chronicles of his journey, it is recorded that Montezuma |
| been classified as a “superfood”, they have | | | | would not approve of any other beverage at his |
| become increasingly important in many areas of | | | | meals except for chocolate. When dining on chocolate, |
| nutritional health. | | | | Montezuma reportedly ate with a golden spoon, out of |
| The cocoa bean is a product of the cacao tree, which | | | | a golden goblet. At this time, powdered cocoa beans |
| produces cacao pods. Inside each cacao pod, there | | | | were combined with spices, vanilla, and other |
| are anywhere from 30 to 50 cocoa beans. In addition | | | | ingredients, then whipped into a foam. Reportedly, 200 |
| to this, there is a sweet pulp surrounding the cocoa | | | | portions of this chocolate beverage were consumed |
| beans, which is called “baba de cacao” by | | | | by Montezuma's court of nobles on a daily basis, while |
| some cocoa bean harvesters. The appearance of the | | | | Montezuma consumed 50 chocolate beverages each |
| cocoa bean ranges from pink, brown or purple, and the | | | | day. |
| texture of the cocoa bean is fairly soft. | | | | It is recorded that Chocolate was first introduced in the |
| It is speculated that the Cacao tree was first | | | | European area sometime during the 1600's, most likely |
| introduced to Central America in ancient times, by the | | | | by the Spaniards. In addition to this, the Spaniards |
| Mayas. In Mexico, the cacao tree was grown and | | | | began cultivating the cacao tree population, expanding |
| harvested by the Olmecs, and eventually became a | | | | to areas such as the Philippines, as well as the West |
| common form of currency throughout the Americas. | | | | Indies. Ironically, the botanical name of the cacao plant |
| This was, of course, prior to the Spanish conquest of | | | | itself is “Theobroma Cacao”, which, loosely |
| the area. The cacao tree is considered to be a native | | | | translated, means “food of the gods”. Cocoa |
| species to the Americas, though other speculated | | | | beans were a staple of society in many areas around |
| origins include the Amazon, more specifically at the | | | | the world, and have rapidly grown in popularity in |
| base of the Andes mountains. | | | | today's society. |