Holy Chocolate in Mesoamerica

Harrison Khoo

Henry Mock

Augustine Ng

Chocolate was an important part to the Mesoamerican culture. Both the Mayans and the Aztecs used it as a religious drink called Xocolatl, or bitter drink. It was made by harvesting, fermenting, roasting, and grounding cacao seeds until they turned into a paste. Following, it was mixed with water, cornmeal, spices, and more to create a spicy, frothy, bitter chocolate drink. This drink was very expensive and only the royalty, nobility, and warriors were able to drink it. In addition, this drink was used as currency and was traded between the Aztecs and Mayans. The seeds were offered to the different gods as part of religious and sacred ceremonies. Apart from this, it was used to give people strength. Overall, chocolate has had a strong impact in the religious lives of Mesoamericans.