This Latin American treasure was originally native to the Amazon. Over time, the cacao bean was traded by Indigenous groups and made its way to different parts of the continent, most notably the Mesoamerican civilisations such as the Olmecas and Mayans. In Central America, the Mayans began to domesticate the plant and deemed its fruit sacred. Cacao, or Kak’aw in the language of the Mayans, meant ¨food of the Gods” and was a revered plant, celebrated and used in sacred ceremonies, given its powerful spiritual and energetic effects.
Cacao was used in ceremonies as a heart opener and was seen to connect those consuming it to Mother Earth, and the forces that governed their spiritual lives. Cacao was used to centre the mind and energise the body. Cacao beans became so valuable in Mesoamercian society that they were used as a currency.
The word ‘Chocolate’ as it is now known comes from the Mayan word ¨Chocol’ja¨, and the verb ‘chokola’j’ - which means 'to drink chocolate together'. This word was then adopted by the Aztecs who embraced the drink and recognised its standing as a powerful elixir.
In the 15th Century the word was transformed again into Spanish, Chocolate, by the Spanish Colonisers. It quickly gained popularity upon its arrival in Europe, in Courtly and Aristoratic society, but in turn the once 'drink of the Gods' became detached from its original usage and significance.
It was then mass grown, rather than grown at a small scale and wildly by Indigenous groups, losing its ceremonial meaning. It became a popular drink, given its rich and nutritious natural properties, and started to be exploited. It was exported to Europe, like one of the most desirable treasures. When Colonisers discovered the recipe to prepare the cacao, they started adding sugar to make it more tasty and many years later, it was transformed into what we all know as cocoa powder. A fast and quick way to prepare it, but with the high cost of losing all the active ingredients, qualities and exquisite flavours of drinking 100% cacao.
Here at Pachamama Goods we only sell certified organic ceremonial grade cacao made from solid 100% cacao, ready for you to brew your delicious and nutritious cup of cacao.