Cocoa

The history of cocoa

References to cocoa date back to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. At that time, cocoa beans were used in various rituals and as a valuable commodity.

The Mayans made a drink from cocoa beans, flavoured with chilli and cornflour. Despite its bitter taste, this drink was believed to be powerful and to promote health in a number of ways. Cocoa beans were so valuable at the time that they were also used as a means of payment.

The Aztecs also enjoyed cocoa and it played an extremely important role in various festive menus and religious rituals. Cocoa was so highly valued by the Aztecs that it was considered a gift from the gods to man. Hence the scientific name 'Thebroma', which loosely translates as 'food of the gods'.

Originally brought to Europe by the Spanish from the Americas, cocoa quickly gained mainstream popularity in the old continent. This preparation was still primarily consumed as a drink, but soon it was also used in the preparation of solid foods.

The health benefits of cocoa

There is a lot of research on cocoa these days because of its health benefits. The extract is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The flavonoids in cocoa promote blood circulation and lower blood pressure.

Studies have also found indications that flavonoids can help in the treatment of various types of inflammation. One of the most studied areas is the effects of cocoa on heart health. Studies have shown that cocoa can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.  

Cocoa also improves the elasticity of blood vessels, which improves blood circulation. This has an overall impact on overall health, including reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack.

In addition to all of the above, cocoa is also known for its positive effects on mental health. It increases the production of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which has a directly proportional effect on mood and general alertness.

Cocoa consumption has also been shown to have anti-depressant effects thanks to the phenyl ethylamine it contains. This compound is informally known as the love chemical, which is secreted by the brain when a person feels joy and affection.

Drinking cocoa also has many benefits for brain function. It improves cognitive abilities and reduces age-related memory loss. Cocoa improves blood flow to the brain, which improves concentration and maintains memory.

Cocoa also has direct benefits for skin care, with its antioxidants helping to fight the signs of ageing. Cocoa is often used in cosmetics, as it protects the skin from external irritants. A good example of this is cocoa butter, which can be found in many of the skin creams on the market.

Preparation of cocoa

The harvesting and production of cocoa is a multi-step process that starts with the seeds of the plant. Cocoa trees grow particularly in tropical regions such as South East Asia, South America and West Africa.

The fruit growing on these trees contains cocoa beans, which are harvested by hand. The beans are fermented after harvesting, which plays an important role in the development of the cocoa's flavour profile.

After fermentation, the beans are allowed to dry in the sun before being packed for onward transport. The beans are then roasted to release their aromas.

The roasted beans are peeled and crushed to make cocoa paste. From the resulting mass, cocoa butter and cocoa powder are separated. Cocoa butter is an essential raw material in the production of chocolate, while cocoa powder is used in various beverages and baking.

The cultural importance of cocoa through the ages

Cocoa has long played an important role in many cultures and as part of their food traditions. It began to be used in Europe as part of the production of chocolate in the early 19th century. Dutch scientist Coenraad Johannes van Houten invented a method to isolate the fat from cocoa butter, making the powder much easier to handle. This was a revolutionary invention, and demand for chocolate exploded as it began to be sold in sheets.

Today, the chocolate industry is huge, but cocoa is still its foundation. Chocolate is used for so many different purposes and is available not only in sheets, but also in ice cream, pastries, drinks, etc.

There are also different variations available and dark chocolate, for example, has become very popular because of its health benefits. Dark chocolate contains more cocoa and less sugar, making it increasingly popular with health-conscious consumers.

However, this has not affected the popularity of milk chocolate, which is known for its smooth and sweet taste. Cocoa-based drinks are still widely consumed, especially in South America, where they are produced using traditional methods.

A good example is the Mexican cocoa drink champurrado, made with corn flour, cocoa powder and cinnamon. It is part of the local Christmas tradition and goes well with the festive season.

The ethics of cocoa production

The food industry always faces different challenges, and cocoa production is no exception, especially from an ethical point of view. Cocoa is often grown in areas where farmers suffer from poverty and inhumane working conditions.

The well-being of the environment also raises some questions among consumers. These issues are addressed by producing fair trade products that respect nature and ensure the well-being of workers in the manufacturing process.

Is cocoa used in supplements?

A number of cocoa-based products are favoured by those who practice sports and healthy lifestyles, including recovery drinks and protein bars.

There are also a number of cocoa extracts available, which have been shown to improve overall mood and mood. Cocoa contains magnesium, fibre and iron, making it a great addition to your daily diet.  

Conclusion

Cocoa is not just a treat for sweet lovers, it is part of human history and well-being. It has remained one of the world's most prized ingredients for centuries, and its versatility has made it part of many people's daily diets.

You can look back on the long and meaningful journey of cocoa from the plantation to the market shelves every time you enjoy a chocolate or cocoa-based drink.