Tradition of chocolate in Mexico

Enjoying a frothy cup of hot chocolate is now as simple as heating up some milk and adding your preferred chocolate. However, many things had to happen for us to reach this point. Discover how the consumption of this delicious food of American origin has become a whole chocolate tradition in Mexico. Ancestral Origins The consumption of cacao began in America. In fact, the Mayans and the Olmecs were the first to learn how to cultivate it. Most likely, they themselves brought cacao to other cultures, including the Aztecs. Pre-Hispanic cultures valued these beans so much that they even used them as currency for trade. Cacao was so important that its consumption was reserved for special occasions, such as in funeral rituals. Vessels containing remnants of theobromine (a compound found in cacao) have been discovered, indicating its use in both such events and other more festive ones. However, it was almost always exclusive to the court and the higher social classes. The Mestizaje of Cacao Cacao was not consumed as we do today. With the arrival of the Spaniards, milk and sugar were added, giving rise to hot chocolate as we know it today. The exchange of customs and ingredients made the traditional drink made from cacao butter and water acquire new versions by adding spices like cinnamon. It didn't take long for the Spaniards to discover the great benefits of cacao. It is said that Hernán Cortés assured King Charles V that with a cup of this drink, the soldiers in his army could have enough energy for an entire day's work. With the conquest and the Spaniards' fascination with its flavor and properties, chocolate crossed the Atlantic to reach Europe. Chocolate in Our Days Nowadays, when we think of quality chocolate, a Swiss or French brand almost always comes to mind, but we must not forget that the largest cacao production occurs in America and Africa. Our country ranks 11th globally, with Tabasco, Chiapas, and Oaxaca being the main states where this crop is produced. Despite having a great tradition and being a cacao producer, the per capita consumption of chocolate in Mexico is very low. It is estimated that a Mexican consumes 750 grams of chocolate per year, while a Swiss person consumes almost 12 kilos. It is time for us to start valuing the gastronomic richness of our country and support local cacao producers. In addition to having many health benefits, chocolate is the heritage of our pre-Hispanic past and reflects the characteristic mestizaje of our country. Don’t wait for the cold season to prepare a rich hot chocolate. There are many ways to enjoy the delicious flavor of chocolate. Here are some ideas to start using chocolate more often in your kitchen: Flourless Chocolate Cake 4 Hot Chocolates Chicken Breasts in Chocolate Chocolate and Bean Cake Mole Poblano   Sources: Elsiglodetorreon.com.mx Excelsior.com.mx Mexicodestinos.com Expansion.mx