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300 BCE
When Cocoa was Discovered
300 BC- The Olmec Indians are believed to be the first people to grow cocoa beans as a crop -
250 BCE
A Delicacy
Only the Mayans social elites are allowed to consume cocoa beans, which was served in an unsweetened cocoa drink. -
600
The Migration of Cocoa
The Mayans migrated into northern regions of South America & Mesoamerica, making the first known cocoa plantations. The beans were also used as a currency in Mayan culture. Ancient Mexicans believed that Tonacatecuhtli, the goddess of food, and Calchiuhtlucue, the goddess of water are guardian goddesses of the cocoa. They made anual human sacrifices to the goddesses, and gave the sacrifices cocoa as their last meal -
1200
Trading Cocoa Beans
Mayans began trade with the Aztecs, giving them cacau, which the Aztecs called “cacahuatl,” which translates to warm or bitter liquid. -
1300
The Value of Cocoa Beans
Cacahuatl is now popular among the Aztec classes, and see it as a gift from the plumed serpent god Quetzalcoatl. The Aztecs were the first people to tax the beans and restrict them to priests, warriors, noblemen, officials, and the traders that supply it. It has been transformed into a medicinal revitalizer, a restorative, and a ceremonial beverage. -
1492
Cocoa Travels to New Lands
Christopher Columbus brings Cacao beans back to King Ferdinand on his fourth visit, but they were overlooked. -
1527
Cocoa in España
Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztec empire, and brought cacao beans, equipment and recipes back with him to Spain. Though excitedly greeted, it became heavily taxed, so only the rich can afford it. Monks are assigned to be the processors of the beans in order to keep chocolate secret for nearly another century. -
1554
"Chocolate"
Mayans brought gift jars of beaten cocoa, which was already prepared and ready to drink. Spain and Portugal do not export it to the rest of Europe for nearly a full century, but quickly after it’s arrival the Spanish replaced the chile with sugar. It was eventually decided that the drink is better when drunk warm. Around now the first developments of the word “Chocolate” began to appear. -
1570
More than Edible
Cocoa becomes popular as a medicine. -
Sweetening up Chocolate
1590- Spanish nuns in Oaxaca, Mexico are the first to sweeten chocolate with honey, cinnamon, and cane sugar, which boosted its popularity with the locals. -
"Chocolate-Mania"
Italian traveler, Antonio Carletti, finds chocolate in Spain and brings it to Italy, and thus starts the “Chocolate-mania.” From there, it spreads to Germany, Austria, & Switzerland.
Johan Franciscus Rauch calls chocolate an inflamer of passion, and urges monks not to eat it. -
A Public Recipe
First publication of a recipe for chocolate is made by Spanish doctor Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma, -
Chocolate's Expanse
First Chocolate house is opened in London by a Frenchman. -
Chocolatier
World’s first chocolatier, David Chaillou -
No Place Like Home
Chocolate makes its way back to the Americas
