The Maya Were Big Chocolate Eater

More than 3,500 years ago, the Olmec Indians discovered how to turn a cacao bean into chocolate. However, it was the Maya that transformed chocolate into the exquisite pleasure it is today. Mayan were processing cacao into chocolate gold at least 2,600 years ago, according to evidence. Cacao was discovered in Mayan ceramics in Guatemala, therefore this was recognized.

Throughout history, The Maya were big chocolate eaters. Maya chocolate was not at all like the chocolate we have today. Crushed cocoa beans, chili peppers, and water were used to make the beverage. (Sugar was not available in Central America). They poured the liquid from one cup to the next until there was a frothy foam on top. In fact, the Maya word 'xocolatl,' which meaning 'bitter water,' is supposed to have inspired the word 'chocolate.'

This bitter drink was dubbed "meal of the gods" by the Maya. Images of cocoa pods were painted on the walls of stone temples, and Mayan artifacts showing kings and Mayan gods enjoying chocolate have been discovered. Cocoa was commonly drunk during religious ceremonies and was utilized in upper-class wedding celebrations.

Another fact that quite interesting, that The Maya were forced to pay taxes to the Aztecs after the Aztecs conquered large swaths of Mesoamerica. These 'tributes' were in the form of cocoa beans because the Aztecs were unable to produce their own.