The Original Chocolate

Summary: The word "chocolate" is said to be derived from the Mayan word "xocoatl." In fact, the Mayans, who occupied the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico starting is the 3rd century, were the first people to unlock the secrets of cacao seeds to make chocolate paste.

The word "chocolate" is said to be derived from the Mayan word "xocoatl." In fact, the Mayans, who occupied the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico starting in the 3rd century, were the first people to unlock the secrets of cacao seeds to make chocolate paste. This rich culture also crafted a recipe for an iconic beverage, known today as Mayan Hot Chocolate: a mix of intense, bitter dark chocolate with spicy notes of cinnamon and chile. This delicious drink was so revered by the Mayans that it was used in religious ceremonies as an offering to the gods. Eighteen centuries later, the same flavor notes of the original Mayan Hot Chocolate recipe can be found in a much cooler form-ice cream. Re-created by Häagen-Dazs