THEOBROMA – “FOOD OF GODS”
by: Yamil Ruiz
Precedents:
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The cocoa beans are originated in the Amazon or Orinoco Basins in South
America. The Olmec civilizations are the first believed to grow cocoa beans,
they would call it “kakawa” from where they made a drink called
“xocolatl”. The Olmec gave much of their culture to the Maya.
The Maya call it “cacau”, they traded with the Aztecs using the cocoa beans
as a money system; for example:100 beans would buy a slave,12 beans
the services of a courtesan and10 beans a rabbit. The Aztecs would call it
“cacahuatl”.
The Aztecs discovered the cocoa beans use making the “xocolatl” drink and
sharing it with Spaniards Explorers that came to their land.
The first one to carry cocoa beans to Spain was Christopher Colombus by
1502 but was his fellow countryman Hernan Cortes who saw the potential
and brought them back to Veracruz by 1585. Cortes reported the King of
Spain by that time, Carlos I, that “a cup of this precious drink would enable
a man to walk a whole day without food!”
Significance:
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The Aztecs would prepare the drink by smashing the cocoa beans making
them into powder and then mixing it with water. They would mixed it up
well and then drink it, an example from this days would be Kool-Aid.
By doing this ancient Aztecs believed that Tonacatecutli, the goddess of
food and Calchiuhtlucue, the goddess of water were the guardian
goddesses of cocoa. Each year they would perform human sacrifices for the
goddesses giving the victims cocoa at his last meal.
Aztecs believed that cocoa was a source of wisdom, incredible energy and
elevated sexual power. This is one of the reasons that they only the elite
Aztecs would drink “xocolatl”.
A report Eleine Sherman wrote “chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual,
deep, sumptuous, seductive, smooth, excessive”, etc.
Influences and connections to the
present:
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It was used for medical reasons.
Carlos I in Spain was the first one who had the idea to mix the cocoa with
sugar, canella and vanilla.
The first commercial factory began in the U.K. in Bristol (1728), J.S. Fry and
son were credited for the creation of the first chocolate bar, but still it
wasn’t very tasteful.
In 1876 Henri Nestle invented the milk chocolate bar, adding milk and
extra sugar. Later Milton Hershey was the first one to mass produce the
chocolate for 5 cents!!! In 1894.
Since then chocolate has become one of the favorite desserts or snacks of
all time. It has had a lot of influence in the media, for example: “Willy
Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” in (1971).
It has become the official gift for Valentine’s Day. Chocolate says a
thousand "thank you's", "good luck", or "I love you“.
Interesting Facts:
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Scientists have found in chocolate substances like phenyl ethylamine, part of
the endorphins found in the human body when this is released to the blood
stream the mood is lifted creating positive feelings, this have also been
linked to falling in love.
Debra Waterhouse, author of why women need chocolate, conducted a
survey and founds 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for
chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex and 22% as a mood
elevator.
As a tribute to Moctezuma received, daily, 50 cups of chocolate and
always fortified himself with a cup after entertaining his harem.
Although it will never be considered a health food for its nutritional values
chocolate its still good for you! Because anything that relieve stress is good
for your Heart and your soul.
Questions:
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What can you elaborate on the idea that this native
civilizations of the Americas worshiped Chocolate?
What other influences do you think it has had on
present day?
What comes to your mind when people say
chocolate?
El Fin!