Bite into a luscious piece of fine chocolate and it's hard to believe that sweet chocolate is a relatively new food.
In fact, sweetened, creamy chocolate is a newcomer compared to earlier, perhaps less tempting forms of chocolate.
The first chocolate creations were enjoyed by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. These natives of Central and South America didn't eat chocolate crafted in fine bars or truffles. Instead, they drank their chocolate and they did so in a way that might make a modern chocoholic cringe.
No, we're not talking creamy cocoa with marshmallows floating on top.
So, how did they enjoy chocolate? Spicy!
Archaeologists and historians of the Mayans and Aztecs say the first forms of chocolate were quite bitter to the taste and generally had a hot and spicy flair. The first chocolate lovers typically blended their chocolate with ingredients such as cornmeal and chili peppers. The resulting concoction was drunk.
Many archaeologists believe that the Mayans and Aztecs would gather, ferment and dry the seeds. They then roasted the beans over an open fire and then removed the shells. The seeds were ground into a paste and blended with other ingredients to make a frothy beverage. Although sugar is not believed to have gone into the mix, it is possible that nectar or honey graced the drink on occasion.
While many chocolate lovers today might compare consumption of their favorite food to a state of ecstasy, for the Mayans and Aztecs it actually was a religious experience. They used the chocolate drink in both religious and social ceremonies. Although it is believed the entire population in these ancient societies would drink chocolate on various occasions, the upper classes made it a very big deal. Archaeologists have uncovered intricate containers decorated with images of everything from animals and kings to ancient gods partaking in the enjoyment of chocolate. The Mayans even wrote about cacao with their ancient glyphic writing.
The Mayans are believed to have used cacao in important religious ceremonies. Archaeologists say chocolate was used in weddings and also in sacrifices. It is believed they poured blood over cacao beans to serve as an offering to their gods.
Although the first chocolate creations didn't taste like the chocolate modern people are used to, this food served an important role in culture. As time passed, the mystical properties of chocolate have largely been lost, but many chocolate lovers will still say a fine piece of chocolate is close to heaven on earth.
