Plants of the Gods: S6E1. Food of the Gods: The Ethnobotany of Chocolate
Jul 10, 2024
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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.
Cacao's historic journey showcases its evolution from sacred commodity to global economic powerhouse.
Mayan and Aztec cultures revered cacao for its dual roles as wealth symbol and divine offering.
Deep dives
The Botanical and Cultural Significance of Cacao
Cacao has a rich history, from being considered the 'food of the gods' by Carl Linnaeus to its pivotal role in industrial designs like the Coca-Cola bottle, inspired by the cacao pod's unique shape. With a global chocolate industry worth over $100 billion annually, cacao's impact on economies, consumption patterns, and culinary diversity is profound.
Historical Journey of Chocolate
The prehistory of cacao cultivation and consumption raises intriguing questions about how indigenous peoples in Central America adopted cacao, often attributing part of this to exchange networks and cacao's unique flavors. The movement of cacao from the Amazon to Mesoamerica reveals a fascinating historical exchange that contributed to the development of chocolate-making techniques.
Cultural and Economic Influences of Cacao on Ancient Civilizations
The Mayans and Aztecs valued cacao not only for its culinary delights but also as a symbol of wealth, power, and divine favor. Cacao served as a form of currency and tribute among these civilizations, significantly impacting trade, diplomacy, and social customs. Its significance in religious rituals and ceremonies further highlighted cacao's sacred and versatile nature in ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
Today, we kick off Season 6 of Plants of the Gods, as host Dr. Mark Plotkin of the Amazon Conservation Team explores the fascinating history of cacao, highlighting its ancient origins in the Amazon rainforest and its transformation into the beloved chocolate consumed worldwide today. From its discovery by indigenous peoples in South America to its role in the highly sophisticated Mayan and Aztec cultures as a sacred and valued commodity, cacao's journey is a testament to its enduring significance across centuries and continents. Join Dr. Plotkin as he uncovers the delicious botanical, cultural, and economic legacy of this remarkable plant in a journey through the history of chocolate.
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