Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens, Healing, Culture and Conservation podcast Plants of the Gods: S6E1. Food of the Gods: The Ethnobotany of Chocolate
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Jul 10, 2024 Delve into the fascinating history of cacao, from its origins in the Amazon rainforest to its role in Mayan and Aztec cultures. Explore cacao's use as currency, its significance in trade, and its influence in Aztec society. Discover the botanical, cultural, and economic legacy of chocolate.
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Coca-Cola Bottle Inspired by Cacao
- The iconic Coca-Cola bottle design was inspired by the shape of an Amazonian cacao pod.
- Designers took inspiration from the pod's grooves and bulge, not from Coca-Cola's ingredients.
Cacao Tree's Amazonian Origins
- The cacao tree is native to the Northwest Amazon rainforest, not Central America.
- Its colorful pods grow directly from the trunk, a trait called cauliflory, aiding pollination and seed dispersal.
Cacao's Journey to Mesoamerica
- Indigenous peoples might have moved cacao from the Amazon to Mesoamerica through trade networks.
- The stimulant properties of cacao likely increased its appeal and led to chocolate production in Central America.