The Spirits Of Chocolate

While some of us are self-proclaimed gods and goddesses of something in this life, the ancients payed complete homage to their gods with a passion of servitude.  The most unique deities are of course are those who represent chocolate!  Chocolate played an important role in the ancient Mesoamerican cultures.  The Aztecs believed their chocolate god, Quetzalcoatl, brought the first chocolate tree from Paradise a moonbeam from the Morning Star.  Quetzalcoatl was said to have taught the people to utilize the cocao seed.  

In the Mayan culture, Ixcacao was goddess of fertility and chocolate.  Of course, her story is similar to that of the Aztec culture.  Ixcacao taught the Maya to plant seeds that would produce a bountiful cocao harvest.  

  

Photo credits:  www.goddessgift.com,  http://rawchoc.tribe.net

How Old Is Chocolate?

Most of us enjoy it.  Others claim they cannot live without it.  Its sweet symphonies tend to leave permanent impressions on our taste buds.  This age-old culinary, olfactory and taste sensation has been enjoyed for ages by many cultures spanning the world!  We seem to quickly express our like and desire for the sweet hero and remember our favorite 'choco' recipes, but does anyone know the age of chocolate?

It has been debated the use of chocolate dates back anywhere between 2000-3100 years.  The Mesoamerican luxury was said to produce frothy beverages and other enjoyable eats.  The Aztec and Mayan cultures had the 'exclusive' use of chocolate until the Spanish conquered Mexico.  This introduction changed the history of chocolate as we know it.

Photo credits:  napersettlement.org,  ideasinfood.typepad.com.

Chocolate Journey!

Wow I just came across this! Maybe next time! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chocolate Week

March 19 - 26, 2011: Taza Chocolate of Sommerville, MA returns to Cotton Tree Lodge!
This special Chocolate Week will be hosted by knowledgable and engaging staff from Taza. Learn how cacao is grown, harvested, and processed; meet Mayan farmers; explore issues of Fair Trade; and have a truly unique adventure in Belize!

Spend a week with Cotton Tree Lodge and Cotton Tree Chocolate learning the history, politics, and processes of chocolate making while exploring the beautiful country of Belize.Daily hands-on workshops are designed to guide you through every step of the process, from picking cacao to molding and packaging bars.Workshops are complimented by excursions to local villages, farms, and cultural sites.

Day 1: Transfer to Cotton Tree Lodge by boat via the Moho River, check into your cabana, and attend a Welcome Dinner and Chocolate Tasting.

Day 2: Visit a local organic cacao farm. Learn about the cacao fruit and pick the pods that you will process into chocolate. Lunch and a Mayan Chocolate Making workshop at the farmer’s home. Return to the lodge, open the pods and begin the fermentation process.
Day 3: Visit the Punta Gorda Farmers Market where cacao is sold. Meet with members of the Toledo Cacao Growers Association and learn about Fair Trade and the politics and economics of chocolate. Optional afternoon excursion to Rio Blanco waterfalls.

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