The cocoa tree is the Theobroma Cacao, also known as the food of the Gods. Xocolat was the name given to the chocolate that you are all familiar with. This was a unique beverage made with chilies, anise seed, vanilla, cornmeal, and other spices. The cacao tree can produce up to 10,000 blossoms, but only about 10 to 50 of them mature into fruits or pods. Cocoa beans are derived from the intelligent tree's fruit or pod. The seeds undergo chemical and physical changes as a result of this process.
Everything has a beginning. Did you know that the making of chocolate has a history? This could be your new favorite pastime activity. You might even become addicted to the taste of such a treat. However, this piece will not satisfy that craving because it attempts to provide a better understanding of how it all began.
The cocoa tree is the Theobroma Cacao, also known as the food of the Gods. Its origins can be traced back to the rainforests of America, specifically Central America. However, historians continue to debate certain facts about this tree.
Anyone for Xocolat?
There are claims that the Mayans first planted such a tree in 300 AD. In 1100 AD, the Aztecs took their turn cultivating such. Xocolat was the name given to the chocolate that you are all familiar with. This was a unique beverage made with chilies, anise seed, vanilla, cornmeal, and other spices. At the time, only royalty was treated with such delight. It was served in gold cups that could only be used once.
Keep the Chocolates
The cocoa tree is aware of its surroundings. It will most likely grow in the shade of the rainforest canopy. As a result, chocolate lovers must band together to save the environment, particularly the rainforests where cacaos will most likely survive.
This tree is unusual in that its fruits grow on the branches and trunk. This is due to the presence of midges. These are the tiny insects responsible for pollination at night.
Did you know that the cacao tree can produce up to 10,000 blossoms, but only about 10 to 50 of them mature into fruits or pods? This is because, like an intelligent human being, the cacao tree can limit the number of blossoms it can handle and grow.
To maintain its good health, the cacao tree self-regulates in this process. It understands what it is capable of containing and handling. It understands how many is enough and how many is too many. This is done by the tree to protect its internal systems and to keep its branches from breaking or falling apart.
Cocoa beans are derived from the intelligent tree's fruit or pod. Harvesters patiently wait for the pod to ripen. They will handpick the trees and crack open the pods until they notice white pulpy elements surrounding the seeds. The pulps are then discarded, while the seeds are saved because they contain cocoa beans, which are the source of your chocolate treats.
During this time, the seeds are actually bitter. As a result, they will go through the fermentation process for three to seven days. The seeds will undergo chemical and physical changes as a result of this method. The end result will be used for the royalties' treat, the Xocolat.
Before the beans can be used for traditional chocolate making, they must go through several procedures. You'll never look at your favorite chocolate the same way again now that you know where it came from. Or, more likely, not. Whatever it has been through, chocolate will always be a favorite of children and the young at heart.
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