Monday, July 23, 2018

Mayans and cacao

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) played a significant role in Classic period Maya civilization (CE 250-900), both as a highly valued beverage, and as a major form of currency.

The origins of chocolate are traced back to the Maya people who were probably the first to cultivate the cacao plant. The early chocolate drink, considered a “drink of the Gods” was mixed with cinnamon and pepper, tasting bitter and strong, and was most appreciated for its invigorating and stimulating effects than for its taste.

The Mayans were next, just south of present day Mexico, to elevate chocolate to status of the Gods. They named the cacao tree Cacahuaquchtl (tree) as they were concerned no other tree was worth naming.

According to the beliefs of the Maya and Aztec, cacao was part of the creation myth and thus the start of life. Mayans believed the tree belonged to the gods and that the pods growing from the tree were an offering from the gods to man. According to Maya mythology, Hunahpú (one of the Hero Twins of the Popol Vuh) gave cacao to the Maya after humans were created from maize by the divine grandmother goddess Ixmucané.

The Mayans were the originators of a bitter brew made from cacao beans. It was a luxury drink enjoyed by kings and noblemen.
Mayans and cacao
at
Labels: , ,

The most popular articles

  • Modern History of Chocolate Milk
    The cocoa tree is an unusual tree, with its cultivation confined to limited areas and climatic conditions. The processing required both in t...
  • Expeller pressed cocoa butter
    Expeller cocoa butter is the fat prepared by the expeller process from cocoa beans singly or in combination with cocoa nib, cocoa mass, coco...
  • Purple cocoa beans
    Purple beans refer to low quality beans with purple color. The main reason for purple bean is a lack of adequate fermentation. When harves...
  • The Cut Test of Cocoa
    The standard method for evaluating the quality of cocoa beans is a cut test on which the interior of a certain number of beans that have bee...
  • Composition of Cocoa Beans
    Composition of Cocoa Beans The general composition of cocoa beans from various sources is similar. With properly fermented mature beans t...

Other interesting articles

  • Food Science Avenue
    Pilsner, a pale and crisp lager beer, originated in the city of Pilsen (Plzeň), in what is now the Czech Republic, during the mid-19th century. Its creatio...
  • Shortnotes of History
    The Shinkansen, widely recognized as the "bullet train," revolutionized rail travel in Japan and set an enduring global benchmark for high-speed rail syste...
  • Food Technology and Processing
    Fat is a cornerstone in culinary science, profoundly influencing the appearance, flavor, and overall sensory appeal of food. Its multifaceted role ensures ...
  • Food Science and Human Nutrition
    Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient essential for human health. It is critical in immune defense, collagen production, iron absorption...