The History of Cacao

From the Olmecs to modern day, chocolate has been an indulgence to many civilizations.

Olmec statue of a head
01

Origination of Cacao

While it is unsure about who invented chocolate or when it happened, it is largely theorized that it comes from the Olmecs. It is supposed that they used cacao for a ceremonial drink.

Cacao beans being prepared on a traditional Mayan cookset
02

Mayan Chocolate

The Mayans were next to use chocolate and actually revered it. It was available to all in their civilization and was used to make a chocolate drink with the combination of chili peppers, honey and water.

01

Origination of Cacao

While it is unsure about who invented chocolate or when it happened, it is largely theorized that it comes from the Olmecs. It is supposed that they used cacao for a ceremonial drink.

02

Mayan Chocolate

The Mayans were next to use chocolate and actually revered it. It was available to all in their civilization and was used to make a chocolate drink with the combination of chili peppers, honey and water.

Olmec statue of a headCacao beans being prepared on a traditional Mayan cookset
Aztec drawing of Xocolatl
01

Aztec Reverence of Cacao

The Aztecs were the ones who really took chocolate worshipping to a new level. They believed that it was a gift from their Gods. Their chocolate drink, Xocolatl, was an upper-class only beverage.

Spaniards learn of Mayan chocolate
02

Spain Arrives

Although we are unsure of how chocolate arrived in Spain, thus Europe, the most exciting story is of Hernan Cortez, who learned of the drink from King Montezuma's court. He brought chocolate back to Spain, but kept his drink a secret for years. Once chocolate got out, it spread like wildfire in Europe. The Europeans created their own version of the drink using cane sugar, cinnamon and other spices.

01

Aztec Reverence of Cacao

The Aztecs were the ones who really took chocolate worshipping to a new level. They believed that it was a gift from their Gods. Their chocolate drink, Xocolatl, was an upper-class only beverage.

02

Spain Arrives

Although we are unsure of how chocolate arrived in Spain, thus Europe, the most exciting story is of Hernan Cortez, who learned of the drink from King Montezuma's court. He brought chocolate back to Spain, but kept his drink a secret for years. Once chocolate got out, it spread like wildfire in Europe. The Europeans created their own version of the drink using cane sugar, cinnamon and other spices.

Aztec drawing of XocolatlSpaniards learn of Mayan chocolate
World Ward 2 chocolate food rations
01

Reaching America

Chocolate came to America from a Spanish ship arriving in Florida. The first American chocolate house opened in Boston. During the Revolutionary War, chocolate was used as rations for soldiers. It was also used as rations in World War 2.

Cacao powder in a bowl
02

Cacao Powder

Cacao Powder changed the industry of chocolate. Dutch chemist Coenraad van Houten established a process which alkalizes the cacao, which turned it to powder. This allowed for the creation of modern chocolate bars and allowed for mass production at a cheaper cost.

01

Reaching America

Chocolate came to America from a Spanish ship arriving in Florida. The first American chocolate house opened in Boston. During the Revolutionary War, chocolate was used as rations for soldiers. It was also used as rations in World War 2.

02

Cacao Powder

Cacao Powder changed the industry of chocolate. Dutch chemist Coenraad van Houten established a process which alkalizes the cacao, which turned it to powder. This allowed for the creation of modern chocolate bars and allowed for mass production at a cheaper cost.

World Ward 2 chocolate food rationsCacao powder in a bowl
Choffy mug with cacao beans and grounds

Introducing Choffy

Choffy combines the rich historical idea of a chocolate drink with traditional bean roasting techniques to bring a fresh perspective on the Ancient Olmecs ceremonial chocolate drink.

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