Legend narates that the feathered god of wind Quetzalcóatl brought man Kakao from the kingdom of heaven. The Greek name Theobroma cacao, translated "food of the gods" is very apt.
The Aztec leaders are said to have sipped the sacred beverage every day. In the form of a hot and bitter drink. In addition to Kakao beans, it contained various spices, chilli, allspice and wild honey. King Montezuma II is said to have devoured up to 50 cups before devoting himself to his lovers.
So it makes perfect sense that Kakao has been declared a currency. 10 beans for a rabbit and slouch 100 for a slave.
Around 500 years ago, the Aztecs ceremoniously received Columbus and sometimes presented him with a sack of the finest Kakao beans as a welcome gift. He tried the drink and politely declined. He was probably used to sweeter gifts.
It wasn't until 17 years later that another important Spaniard dared to taste the sacred drink. Hernando Cortés was completely blown away, as he reported to the Spanish king. Out of this euphoria, he bloodthirstily destroyed the Aztec empire and sailed home about 10 years later. Lots of Kakao in the luggage to flatter the king and mix love potions.
With the announcement at the royal court, the addition of sugar and spices such as vanilla began. The Spaniards kept the Food of the Gods to themselves for a century before, but through an international marriage, they revealed the secret. And soon there were chocolate houses in the posh corners of Europe. The nobility knew how to sweeten their time.
When Daniel Peter and Henri Nestlé invented milk chocolate in 1875, Kakao started for the first time to lose its reputation and its invigorating effect. What was left was a sweetened industrial and highly addictive product.
Now it's time to restore the reputation of true Kakao! If you want to start right away, click >here and you will get to my shop.