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Ancient Cacao Use
- The Maya civilization, dating back to 3300 BCE, provides the earliest evidence of cacao consumption.
- They used cacao beans not just for drinks, but also in porridge and even as currency.
Cacao's Ritualistic Significance
- The Maya saw cacao as more than just food, using it in religious rituals and as currency.
- Gods were depicted with cacao, sometimes sprinkled with blood, as shown in the Madrid Codex.
Counterfeit Cacao Beans
- Archaeological evidence reveals counterfeit cacao beans were offered to Mayan gods.
- Alex Hutchinson humorously suggests it was a priest's son who swapped real beans for fakes.