b.JPG

# Chocaholics! Cacao trees produce cacao pods directly from their trunks. The pods are opened to reveal cacao beans inside. The Maya used these beans to make a chocolate drink as early as the 4th century AD. However, this drink was not sweet, but more bitter, often with chili, vanilla, or other sp...

# Chocaholics! Cacao trees produce cacao pods directly from their trunks. The pods are opened to reveal cacao beans inside. The Maya used these beans to make a chocolate drink as early as the 4th century AD. However, this drink was not sweet, but more bitter, often with chili, vanilla, or other spices. # Mayan Chocolate The drink was enjoyed by rich and noble members of Mayan society. Cacao beans were highly valued and used as currency. The Maya word for chocolate is Kakaw. # Chocolate Cultivation The Maya, descendants of the Olmec civilization, also cultivated cocoa. They grew cocoa in low-lying lands with suitable temperatures and climate. According to historical estimates, Mayan cocoa cultivation began as early as 200 B.C. Later, as Mayan populations migrated to the Yucatan region, they developed new cultivation methods in personal gardens. This was necessary because the Yucatan climate was not ideal for cocoa growth. # Mayan Chocolate for the Nobility Consumption of chocolate in Mayan society was largely limited to the nobility. This was because cocoa cultivation was done on a small scale, and many Mayan cities had to import cocoa. This meant that chocolate was expensive, making it a luxury. While the elite enjoyed chocolate drinks, commoners rarely consumed it. This made chocolate a significant element of Mayan social stratification.