Everything Everywhere Daily

The History of Chocolate (Encore)

Sep 24, 2023
Discover the origins of chocolate in Central America and its transformation into a beloved treat. Explore the domestication and spread of the cacao plant, its significance to the Mayans, and its use as currency. Learn about the bitter taste of early chocolate, the use of slave labor on cacao plantations, and technological advancements in chocolate production. Dive into innovations, partnerships, and popular companies that shaped the development of solid chocolate. Explore the global market of chocolate and debunk common misconceptions.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Ancient Uses of Cacao Bean

  • The cacao bean was originally used to make a fermented, bitter beverage rather than sweet chocolate.
  • It was so valued in Central America it was used as currency and consumed at important ceremonies.
INSIGHT

Aztec Chocolate Traditions

  • The Aztecs called the cacao beverage Chocolatl, meaning bitter water, and reserved it only for elites.
  • It was often flavored with native vanilla and considered a gift from the god Quetzalcoatl.
INSIGHT

European Introduction to Chocolate

  • Europeans first encountered cacao in 1502 but only in 1544 did they bring the recipe to Spain.
  • They sweetened the bitter drink to make it popular at royal courts, marking the birth of European chocolate culture.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app