Primitive Chocolate-- The First Magic Potion

According to legend, chocolate is a substance of many enchantments. From its ancient beginnings to present, it's been touted as a love potion, aphrodisiac, health tonic, brain booster, energy bar, and ritual religious drink. Some of these claims inspire lively debate in scientific and health communities to this day. The scientific classification for the cacao tree from which chocolate originates is Theobroma Cacao, and its literal translation means, "Food of the Gods".

Because the cacao tree and chocolate itself originated in pre-Columbian Central and South America, the history behind the delicacy is hazy, violent, and mystical. Some of the latest evidence points to a time in history over 2,600 years ago. Modern marketers and advertisers tease consumers with a primal element that's barely understood but widely appealing just the same.

Quetzalcoatl is shown in this ancient depiction as a priest (in the form of a man) as he pours chocolate liquid directly from the cacao tree, a truly godlike feat as the genuine preparation of chocolate is intricate and time-consuming.

Within Mayan mythology, Quetzalcoatl was portrayed as a deity that was part bird and part serpeant. It was believed during the periods of equinox that the priest absorbed the spirit of the god himself. In artwork, Quetzalcoatl is sometimes depicted in animal form and other times depicted as a man in headress and other priestly regalia.

Although Quetzalcoatl was believed to be the Mayan god of creation, he was far from benevolent. Sources believe that worshipers consumed a holy beverage consisting of chocolate and blood before being sacrificed atop an ancient step pyramid.

During the times of equinox, stones are positioned in such a way along the sides of a step pryamid at Chichen Itza so that as the sun sets at dusk, a distinct shadowy serpeant is seen climbing the steps. At this point, the priest believed he incarnated Quetzalcoatl himself (also known as Kukal Kahn). Human sacrifice was the climax of this festival which was designed to increase fertility in women and in the farming industry as well.

*Note: As shown in the image (upper right), Cacao beans grow not only on the branches of the tree, but also on the trunk. No other seed bearing tree produces seeds in this manner.

But the ordinary citizen of ancient times soon developed his own recipes with the small cocoa bean seed tucked within the cocoa bean, and it's believed that many ancient peoples consumed chocolate on a daily basis. The ancient cocoa of Mesoamerica was craved and enjoyed by all though it held little resemblence to the velvety sweet chocolate we love today.

From the earliest times, cocoa flavored with chilis and herbs and spices were used as sauces for meats. A mole sauce used in today's Mexico is a direct descendent of ancient pre-Columbian recipes.

Early chocolate was also used for medicinal benefits although it's unclear at this point what recipes were used. The benefits are vague as well although energy tonics, relief from fever, and healing from illness seem to run as common threads throughout history.

The cocoa tree only grows at certain longitude and latitude lines from a position below the equator and only at certain levels of elevation. And it's a dainty tree especially susceptible to disease and pests. This fact presents the problem of an overabundant use of herbicides and pesticides, something consumers are just becoming aware of at this time.

Also, the cacao tree grows only in the tropical rainforests. As such, it suffers the same risks as many species of plants and animals as the earth's rainforests are destroyed. So, as we romanticize chocolate's past, many challenges face the industry of the future.

Whether the colorful history, the delicacy, superstition, or the combination of all these factors is charged as cause or effect, one thing is certain. Chocolate has always been viewed as a most enchanting treat. Who knows? Maybe it's the only ancient magic potion remaining in this modern world.

To continue to Chocolate History, Part II follow this link: Modern Chocolate: Magic Potion for Today