Cocoa is more than just a delicious treat. It has a rich history, health benefits, and ecological realities worth exploring. Ready to expand your cocoa knowledge? Let’s embark on this delicious journey!
Cocoa produced from the seeds of Cocoa fruit
It also known as Theobroma cacao, is native to Central and South American rain forests. The plant produces large fruit with seeds that are used to make cocoa. These seeds are extracted from the inner core of the fruit, which is then fermented and dried before being further processed into cocoa powder or butter.
Cocoa can be used in many different ways in cooking, including baking chocolate cakes and cookies, making hot chocolate drinks, or simply adding it to your morning coffee as a flavor booster. It’s also packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.
Cocoa was once used as currency
Cocoa beans were used as money a long time ago in Mexico. The Aztecs liked hot chocolate more than gold or silver. When the Spanish defeated the Aztecs, they found lots of cocoa beans in their palaces instead of gold and silver.
Most of the world’s cocoa is produced in Africa.
Although Europe and the U.S. are known for their chocolate production, the majority of the world’s cocoa is grown in Africa. In fact, over 59% of African cocoa is produced in West Africa, specifically in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Cocoa has been around for thousands of years
People consumed cacao as early as 5,000 years ago, according to cacao residues found on pottery in Ecuador. The Maya, Toltec, and Aztec people cultivated the plant over 3,000 years ago and made a beverage from its beans.
Christopher Columbus brought cocoa beans to Spain in 1502, and the Aztecs introduced the Spanish conquistadores to a chocolate beverage when they arrived in Mexico in 1519.
Cocoa is a key ingredient in different beauty product
Cocoa butter is like a magic moisturizer for your skin. It’s good for lotions, creams, and soaps. It helps make your skin look young and healthy. Some face masks have cocoa to make your skin feel good inside and out.
Lip balms and lipsticks use cocoa to make your lips look pretty and shiny. All these things together help your skin look healthy and shiny. That’s why many people use cocoa skincare products all the time.
