Ancient Maya Chocolate: From Sacred Ritual to Global Commodity
alyzza may
Chocolate ( kakaw ) was not a sweet, solid treat for the ancient Maya; it was a sacred, frothy, and highly revered beverage reserved for elites, gods, and special ceremonies. The journey of chocolate from the rainforests of Mesoamerica to a global commodity is a fascinating tale of botany, ritual, and trade. 1. The Sacred Origins: Cacao Botany and Harvesting The cacao tree ( Theobroma cacao ) is native to the tropical rainforests of the Americas. The word "cacao" is derived directly from the May