O chocolate is one of the most popular foodsif consumed all around the world. It is used in several types of recipes, from desserts to hot and cold drinks.
But did you know that it originates from the Americas? and was it once used as a bargaining chip by the Aztecs?
The story begins in Central and South Americal, where pre-Columbian people cultivated cocoa more than 3,000 years ago.
They believed that cocoa had medicinal properties and used the drink in religious rituals and important ceremonies.
However, it was with the Aztecs that chocolate gained the status of a bargaining chip.. Because they valued cocoa so much that they used the seeds as a way to pay taxes and duties.
At the time, cocoa was so important that the Aztecs they even had a god dedicated to him, called Quetzalcoatl.
Because the Aztecs prepared it in a way very different from what we know today.
They would roast the cocoa beans, grind them on a hot stone, and add water and spices such as pepper and vanilla.
The result was a bitter, frothy drink., which was consumed mainly by nobles.
It was only after the arrival of Europeans in the Americas that he became popular all over the world. Because the Spanish were the first to take cocoa to Europe, where the recipe
original was modified, adding sugar and milk to make the drink more palatable.
From then on, chocolate became a hit. throughout Europe and, later, throughout the world. However, nowadays, there are different types, from the most bitter to the most
sweets, and different forms of consumption, from bars to chocolates and desserts.
Despite having undergone several transformations over the years,, it still maintains its cultural and historical importance.
It remains a symbol of wealth and power, just as it was for the Aztecs many years ago.. And, of course, it remains one of the most appreciated foods in the world.
Pre-Columbian people used chocolate
Chocolate is a very popular food around the world, but few know of its origin. Because cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, originates from the Americas, more
precisely from the region that today comprises Mexico, Central and South America.
Pre-Columbian peoples such as the Mayans and Aztecs, already used chocolate in their cultures and religions.
Pre-Columbian people believed that cocoa it was a gift from the gods and, therefore, they considered it sacred. They used it in their religious ceremonies and as an offering to the gods.
The roasted seeds
The chocolate drink was made with roasted seeds and ground cocoa, mixed with water and some spices, such as vanilla and pepper.
This drink was consumed by nobles and warriors., and considered a symbol of power and social status.
In addition to religious use, chocolate also had medicinal value for pre-Columbian people..
However, they believed that the chocolate drink helped to cure illnesses, such as fever and headache, and also to combat fatigue and tiredness.
The arrival of Europeans in the Americas
With the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, chocolate became known all over the world. It was in 1502, during the fourth trip of Christopher Columbus, that cocoa was discovered by Europeans.
Columbus observed that indigenous people exchanged cocoa beans with each other, and believed they had monetary value.
From then on, the Spanish began to be interested for cocoa and chocolate drink. However, shortly after, the drink became popular among the Spanish nobility, who considered it a medicinal elixir and aphrodisiac.
Over time, chocolate spread throughout Europe, where recipes were improved and new types of chocolate emerged.
It was only in the 19th century that industrial production chocolate began, making it a product accessible to all social classes.
Nowadays, chocolate is one of the most popular foods all around the world. And, despite having gone through several transformations over the years, it still maintains
its cultural and historical importance, especially for pre-Columbian peoples, who considered it a gift from the gods and a symbol of power and social status.
Benefits for health
Chocolate is a food that is present in many people's lives, whether as a sweet to sweeten the day or as an ingredient in culinary recipes.
Nowadays, chocolate presents several curiosities which show how it is a versatile and appreciated product all over the world.
One of the main curiosities about chocolate is the variety of types and flavors that currently exist. There are milk, semi-sweet, bitter, white chocolates and even chocolates with a cocoa content higher than 90%.
Additionally, there are chocolates with added ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, spices and even pepper.
Another curiosity about chocolate is its use in different products. In addition to chocolate bars, there are chocolates, truffles, pies, cakes, ice cream, hot and cold drinks, among others.
Chocolate is also used in savory recipes, such as sauces for meat and fish.
In addition to being a tasty food, chocolate also has beneficial properties for health. Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that help fight free radicals and protect the body's cells against damage.
Flavonoids also help reduce blood pressure artery and improving blood circulation.
Dark chocolate, with higher cocoa content, is especially rich in flavonoids and, therefore, can be considered a functional food.
Conclusion
However, it is important to remember that excessive consumption Chocolate can lead to weight gain and health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Chocolate is a food that has enchanted people for centuries, and his diverse curiosities show how he adapted to different cultures and historical moments.
Be like a sweet to eat for dessert, an ingredient for culinary recipes or a functional food, chocolate will always be a delicious and versatile option to be enjoyed.
