The Journey of the Bean (Paperback)

Paperback. The cacao beans journey is one full of incidence and romance, and one which epitomizes the Colombian exchange. Mistaken for almonds at one point by Columbus, the cacao bean's value was soon realized even though European traders were often fooled into buying cargoes of avocado stones. Nevertheless, it became a valuable commodity, earning status through the role of the chocolate house in 19th Century European politics.This is a social and economic history of chocolate, looking at the cultural and ritual importance it held for ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations and its reception in the cultural capitals of Europe. It also lays out the controversy over fair trade that taints the chocolate industry today as well as covering the debate over its health properties.Along with the history, the book provides a full complement of international recipes, both sweet and savoury. The journey of the cacao bean is full of incident and has a certain romance, as from this bean comes one of our favourite foods. It came from South America, the ancient Maya of Mesoamerica in the Aztec empire. A book to enchant the historian, and with many recipes, to please the cook. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…