The Origins of Cacao: What Everyone Should Know
Civilisations have always valued Ceremonial Cacao, the source of what we know as chocolate, for its rich flavour and health benefits. But where does this incredible plant come from? Why is it so sought after it was once used in place of money? Let's explore the origins of one of the world's most beloved treats.
Table of Contents
- A Gift from the Gods
- The First Cultivators: The Olmecs
- More Valuable than Gold!
- From Ritual to Riches
- Conclusion
Main Themes:
- Cacao’s divine and cultural significance in ancient civilisations
- The evolution of cacao from a ritual plant medicine to a luxury item
- The global spread and transformation of cacao into modern chocolate
A gift from the gods
You may have heard cacao called the "Food of the Gods" and for good reason! Not only is it delicious beyond measure, but it has a subtly energising effect on the body. This fermented cacao drink was believed to open the doorway of connection between humans and the gods, and ancient cultures believed the cacao tree itself was a gift from the gods. Theobroma cacao, the scientific name for the cacao tree, is native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America and now grows across the world in many parts of Africa, Indonesia and Australia.
The first cultivators
The first people to have cultivated cacao around 1500 BCE - 400 BCE were the Olmecs, the earliest known major Mesoamerican civilisation. They were the first to recognise the value of the cacao bean, using it as food and as a form of currency.
Following the Olmecs, the Mayan civilisation (ruling between 250 AD to 900 AD) continued the cultivation and consumption of cacao. They believed cacao to be of divine origin and used it in shamanic and spiritual cacao ceremony. The Mayans created a frothy drink called ‘xocolātl’ by mixing cacao with water, chilli peppers, and spices, and consumed it during weddings, birth ceremonies, and other significant events to honour their gods. This inspired our spiced cacao powder flavour Fire!
More valuable than gold!
The Aztecs (1300 AD to 1521 AD) elevated the status of cacao even higher, considering it more valuable than gold! They used cacao beans as a form of currency and collected them as tributes from conquered regions. For the Aztec people, cacao was a luxury and was consumed only by nobility and warriors, often flavoured with vanilla and rare spices.
The Spanish conquistadors under Hernán Cortés first tasted the traditional cacao drink in the early 16th century. Tales tell that though they were at first taken aback by the bitter taste, after sweetening it they were pleasantly satiated. Upon their return to Spain, cacao powder became a luxury product sought after by the nobles. Spain kept the origin of where it came from a secret for nearly a century!
From ritual to riches
Gradually, cacao was altered with the addition of sugar and milk. European colonies planted cacao trees in tropical areas like Africa and Southeast Asia to meet Europe's growing chocolate demand. Chocolate became more accessible through the industrial revolution due to advances in processing technology. From ritual, to riches, to sweet confectionary, chocolate was transformed. The increased demand for the best ceremonial cacao turned a sacred cultural tradition into a way for foreign chocolate companies to make profit. We explore the problematic results of this in our interview with Tess Martin, the Cacao Mama!
Conclusion
Ancient civilisations recognised the otherworldly potency of their native cacao, giving it cultural, ceremonial and medicinal significance. As a symbol of love and celebration, cacao is still top of everyone's list when it comes to self-care, gift-gifting and bringing people together. To learn about the difference between conventional 'cocoa' and raw cacao, head over to the next article 'Cacao or Cocoa? And Why It Matters!' And if you're looking for where to buy Ceremonial Cacao, look no further! We source directly from growers in Peru, ensuring the community and land benefit from the exchange because we truly believe preserving ancient tradition and tending Mother Earth is the most sacred of all!
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Author: Laura Roberts
Last edit: 29 July 2024