A portrait of the Mayan civilisation who is said to have discovered chocolate
History books state that the Mayans were the ones who discovered chocolate. From 250-290 AD, they inhabited the area (now Latin America) where cacao trees grew abundantly. Their fruits (or the beans) were used as currency and could be used to purchase food, slaves, and many others. Before they could consume it only as drink, they had to ground the beans; and to remove its bitterness, mix it with different spices.
When the Aztecs conquered the Mayans (1200 to 1500), they continued on with the tradition of using cacao beans as currency. They believed that their god Quetzalcoatl introduced man to chocolate, and therefore, he was banned from paradise.
Hernando Cortez, the Spanish conqueror who brought chocolate to Europe
In 1519, the Spanish conquerors headed by Hernando Cortez, arrived at the Aztec capital. They still used the beans as currency but couldn’t understand why Aztecs loved to drink it. Eventually they had grown to love chocolate when someone thought of mixing it with sugar.
They brought it back to Spain and initially used it for medicinal purposes. After keeping it a secret for 100 years within their country, chocolate soon made its way to other parts of Europe. Chocolate bars were put up and different variations were invented by mixing it with various ingredients.
As many people fell in love with chocolate, the demand increased and many lands were turned into cocoa tree plantations. Pretty soon, the supply increased and even the average people could also enjoy what used to be a treat for the nobility. Until now, every one can still enjoy chocolates to their hearts’ content.
Love chocolate? Here are more chocolate desserts you have to try!
More desserts for the sweet tooth in you