How did chocolate get around the world from Mexico?

Answer 1

Before the Spanish Conqistadors arrived in Central America, the Mayans discovered a bean of the Cacao tree that carried a delicious substance to it. The Mayans loved it, and when the Aztecs heard of this "cacao juice" they were obsessed with it (they even used it as currency for a while). Upon Spain's arrival, they saw the tribes with it, tasted it, and sweetened it to what we now know as chocolate.

Answer 2

The cocoa plant had been cultivated in Mexico for thousands of years before the European's arrival during the 16th century. After Mexico was conquered in 1521 by Hernan Cortes, many products were exported from Mexico into Spain, and then into the rest of Europe. On the other hand, many products were imported into Mexico by the new settlers, for day-to-day activities.

Some examples of this "Columbian exchange" include corn, chocolate, tomatoes and beans from Mexico to the world, and conversely, horses, wheat, cows and many other animals from the old world into Mexico.

Answer 3

Yes, Mexico introduced chocolate to the world (Aztec: xocolatl), (Maya: chocolha).