Humans’ love affair with chocolate reaches far back into our history – possibly as far as 1500 BCE. For those of us who adore this favorite in all its many forms that is no surprise.
In Latin, cacao trees are called Theobroma Cacao, or “food of the gods.” The cocoa or cacao bean comes from trees native to the Americas. It may have originated in the foothills of the Andes in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, in what is current-day Colombia and Venezuela, where wild cacao can still be found. Cacao trees can live up to 200 years, but they produce usable beans for only 25 years.
The cacao bean was a common currency throughout Mesoamerica before the Spanish conquest. Today, cocoa products, including chocolate, are used worldwide. And, Colombia grows some of the finest cocoa available, which is exported around the globe.
In Cartagena, you can explore the world of this talented bean, see how it is processed and roasted at 149 degrees. Make your own chocolates during a fascinating workshop at the Museo de Coco! They also have a family version of the class that will delight your kids.
Include a hands-on chocolate workshop during our 13-day Guatemala & Colombia journey.
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