History of Cocoa

Consuming cocoa is not a new thing but dates back thousands of years. Here is a timeline of significant cocoa-related events throughout history:

500 BC to 400 BC

The Olmec Indians are believed to be the first people to grow cocoa beans.

AD 250 to AD 900

The consumption of cocoa beans was restricted to the Mayan society's elite, in the form of a bitter cocoa drink made from ground cocoa beans.

AD 600

Mayans migrate into northern regions of South America establishing the earliest known cocoa plantations in the Yucatan.

AD 1400 to AD 1500

The cocoa drink became popular among the richest Aztecs who copied the cocoa beverage from the Mayans and were the first to tax cocoa beans. The Aztecs called it "xocalatl" meaning warm or bitter liquid.

AD 1674

Eating non-liquid chocolate was introduced in the form of chocolate cakes and rolls served in chocolate emporiums. Looking for recipes?