7 Facts About Chocolate- Money Does Grow on Trees!

When growing up I’m sure we all had someone tell us that money didn’t actually grow on trees.  Did you know that once upon a time money really did grow on trees?

7 Facts About Chocolate

1- Cacao beans were used as currency in MesoAmerica. The time was around 250-900 AD.

So there you go, money DOES grow on trees!

2- Cacao beans were often found in tombs of Mayan nobility. There were also hieroglyphs on the walls that showed cacao and how it was prepared.

Lesson here- if you are going to bring chocolate to the after life, don’t forget some instructions!

3- Did you know that chocolate used to be consumed as an incredibly bitter and spicy drink- not sweet?

Surprisingly spicy chocolate is pretty good… not sure about the completely bitter part.

4- Warriors of ancient civilizations were issued chocolate drink and wafers in the battle field as it was thought to be beneficial for them and substantiate them.

It amazes me what role chocolate has played in cultures throughout the world. Maybe we would have a little more world peace if there were more chocolate on the battle field?

5- Guess how much a tomato cost? 1 cacao bean

Today I payed $3.50 per pound for some heirloom tomatoes. I think costs have gone up.

6- In 1570 some tried using chocolate as medicine to reduce fever.

Chocolate is amazing medicine. There are studies showing people who eat chocolate are generally happier!

7- Chocolate was not appreciated worldwide. At the time chocolate was already in Spain and gaining recognition, an English pirate was said to have burned a ship full of cacao beans because he did not recognize their value.

To all you chocolate haters out there. Send the chocolate my way. I will take good care of it!

Chocolate had transcended many cultures. What is a chocolate fact from your culture/ life?

PS- Chococlate facts were obtained from chocolate.org.