
Hernán Cortés, who knew chocolate a beverage made from cocoa, and learned about its invigorating power, appreciated the Aztec Xocoatl as a military ally, considering, as he wrote to Emperor Charles V of Spain,
that a cup of that native beverage was sufficient to maintain the strength of a soldier during a whole day of marching. Because of that, the Spaniards sent to their country the Mexican cocoa since the beginning of the 16th century when they arrived in
Considering it too invigorating of life strengths, the catholic clergy opposed it with particular resistance, but the noble people became so fond of drinking that beverage that they added sugar and some other flavor, as that of cinnamon, and that is why the use of chocolate became popular very quick. The cocoa of
However, during a great deal of time the world could not easily buy the Mexican cocoa, because Spain prohibited its export, until in 1728 king Philip V sold to a foreign company the right to trade with the product, being then when cocoa spread quickly through all the European countries.
On account of their contact with the Mayas, the Aztecs or Mexicans adopted cocoa as food and currency. The Maya word used to name the grain was Cacau, derived from the older term Chacahuaa; in the current Maya it is called Chucua. In Tupí, an indigenous dialect from
As for acclimatization of the cocoa plant, it was achieved out of
Currently, the countries that produce more cocoa in the world are
Don’t Miss the Chocolate Festival
Sunday, Jan 13, 2013 – Chocolate Festival, 11-4pm:
Indulge Yourself! Lots of free samples from area chocolatiers and sweet shops, meet Willy Wonka, learn about the history of chocolate from the education staff of the
Cost: Presale Tickets: Adults $15.00, Youth 3-15 $3.00, Children 2 years and under free Purchase your online tickets below!
At the Door: Adults $18.00, Youth 3-15 years old $5.00, Children 2 years old and under FREE!