History of Cocoa

Cocoa Tree became cultural plant in Central America probably about 1500 BC when Olmecs established first plantations.

Later central American civilisations of Toltecs and Mayas continued in planting cocoa. About 1000 AD cocoa beens were already used as a currency. Mayas used the cocoa beans to prepare very nourishing drink which they called Xocolatl.

Columbus was first European who saw cocoa in today´s Nicaragua in 1502. But he didn´t care about cocoa because he searched way to India.

Hernando Cortez discovered real importance of cocoa in central american society and also thanks to nourishing cocoa drink conquered Aztec empire in 1521.

Cortez bringed back to Europe the first cocoa in 1528. It took more than 100 years to spread cocoa to other european countries. Chocolate became popular drink in european higher society during 17th and 18th century.

The first machine-made chocolate was produced in Barcelona about year 1780. Thanks to industrial revolution and its inventions and massive expansion of sugar production chocolate became not only drink but also confectionery in 19th century.