Chocolate is one of the oldest and most pleasurable foods. It is said that the ancient Mayas considered chocolate to be a powerful aphrodisiac.

It is true that nobody knows chocolate better than the ancient Maya.

History of Chocolate and the Maya Civilization

When we think about chocolate we think about a solid bar. However, back during the Mayan Civilization in Central America, chocolate was known only as a simple drink. It was simply made using cocoa beans, chili peppers, and water. The word chocolate itself is derived from the Maya word ‘xocolatl’ meaning ‘bitter water’. This drink was highly esteemed that the images of cocoa pods can be found carved on the walls of stoned temple and many Mayan artifacts. Evidence today shows that this “bitter sweet” drink was a favorite of Maya kings and priest. The drink was used as a part of many religious and royal ceremonies.

It wasn’t until the 1500’s; Spanish conquistadors who arrived in Central America sweetened the drink with cinnamon and cane sugar. The secret of this tasteful treat soon reached Europe. In 1847, a British Chocolate company, J.S. Fry & Sons created the first solid edible chocolate bar.

From the ancient Mayas to the Spaniards and Europeans chocolate today continues to be enjoyed. In Belize this adored drink is quite popular and many Maya inhabitants living in Southern Belize cultivate and manufacture chocolate.

Visit Belize and plan a trip to these authentic chocolate farms:

Eladio ‘s Chocolate Adventure located in Toledo, Belize, offers: Agouti Cacao Farm Tour, Chocolate making class, local Maya lunch, and home stay. Book your tour today!

IXCACAO Maya Belizean Chocolate, located in Toledo, Belize, is a Farm to Bean process chocolate products. Managed and operated by Maya Belizean in Belize.

Goss Chocolate  located in Placencia Belize, offers handmade chaocolate and cocoa powder from select local grown cocao.

Belize Chocolate Company produces Kakaw Chocolate, micro-batch bean to bar artisan chocolate maker based on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, made from organic beans from small family farms in Southern Belize

Moho Chocolate Store in Belize city, makes 7 unique flavors of Milk and dark Chocolate, including a variety of Chocolate truffles, Chocolate Milkshake and more from Belizean Cacao!