CHOCOLATE!

In our world today, chocolate is one of the most beloved sweets. :D Chocolate has been a phenomenal success being made into a variety of different desserts and such. Yet, many do not know that chocolate was first discovered and cherished more than 1700 years ago with the Mayans. It was cherished so much that only the Mayan nobles could drink chocolate. Chocolate played an important role in Mayan history.

The Mayans did not call this beloved sweet chocolate, but cacao, being that it was made from the cacao bean. They took the bean from its tree in the rain forest and harvested, fermented, roasted, and ground it into a paste. Next, the Mayans mixed it with water, chili peppers, and cornmeal, resulting in a frothy, spicy, chocolate drink. The drink was a drink for royalty and was a treasured item in trade and society.

To the Mayans, the cacao bean was considered holy. It symbolized life and fertility. They even worshiped a chocolate god called Chokola'j. The cacao been was also considered as the "food of the gods." Stones from palaces and temples revealed carved pictures of cocoa pods being offered to the gods. Cacao pods were often used in religious rituals and sacred ceremonies.

Chocolate has been cherished for many, many centuries, although it has been served in various different ways. Next time we chew on a Hershey's bar, think of the Mayans and how chocolate all started.


Poonam Bhakta, La'Shawn Hill, Courtney Shin, and NICOLE WALDECKER