Why is Chocolate Romantic? From Bitter Water to Erotic Elixir

After writing my last Eros & Edibles piece on Chocolate as an Aphrodisiac, I was left with more questions about how chocolate came to be so heavily associated with sexual appetite and lust. Why is Chocolate Romantic and so associated with Sex and Love? Well, the answer isn’t quite as simple as you may expect!

While elbow deep in chocolate-knowledge, I discovered so many things I didn’t include in that article, because it simply didn’t fit. There are so many more interesting and unique facts surrounding chocolate’s sensual reputation, extending far back to the days when ancient civilizations thrived in Mesoamerica. 

As a Hispanic woman, I am quite familiar with the allure of the decadent treat. Mexican Hot Chocolate, adorned with the taste of cinnamon and ancho chiles, is a result of the deeply and spiritually rooted flavors that come from a plant that was once considered sacred.

Chocolate: From Bitter Water to Erotic Elixir

Chocolate is one food that people look at you as if you spouted an extra limb if you say you “don’t like” it. What’s wrong with you? Have you only had Hershey’s or something–it tastes like vomit! Chocolate has long enchanted each populatio throughout the ages, with its unctuous and silky texture; the result of processing invented by ancient civilizations.

Discovering the erotic and spiritual roots of this now ubiquitous treat has fostered more fascination in me, beyond just the libido boosting benefits. This is a discovery and celebration of the roots of “xocolatl”–or “bitter water”–better known today as Chocolate!

Where Does Chocolate Come From?

Chocolate is deeply rich and silky, tantalizing the tastebuds and leaving us with a high level of satisfaction for a number of reasons. However, this treat has an extensive ancient history.

Chocolate originated in Mesoamerica over 4000 years ago, and was first turned into a drink by the Olmecs of Mesoamerica. Their bitter brew, made with cacao beans they processed themselves, was a revelation to ancient societies. Not only for its incomparable flavor, but for the symbolism in which cacao was bestowed upon these civilizations.

These Mesoamerican civilizations held chocolate, known to them as “xocolatl,” in high regard. They recognized its potential to elevate mood and incite desire, as they sipped upon this sacred liquid.

How was Xocolatl Used?

The Aztecs and the Mayans were particularly famous for their xocolatl rituals. They believed this was a gift from divinity. Consumption of xocolatl was usually reserved for nobility, and served also in religious ceremonies and weddings, where lower classes were also able to enjoy the sacred elixir. 

Cacao was Considered Divine

The Mayans held chocolate in a high regard, and called it the “Drink of the Gods”. Mayans poured this mixture from one pot to another, creating a thick foamy beverage called “xocolatl”, meaning “bitter water.” Mayan chocolate was a revered brew made of roasted and ground cacao seeds mixed with chilies, water and cornmeal.

This bitter water was so much more than a beverage. This was a gift from the gods, and they believed that this plant had medicinal qualities, contributing to energy levels through compounds such as theobromine, They saw it not merely as a beverage but as a gift from feathered-serpent deity Quetzalcoatl, bestowing vitality and passion upon those who partook in its divine essence

Quetzalcoatl is a Toltec name for a Mesoamerican God who represented a variety of pleasures they enjoyed, including salubrious health, love, sex, food, and general agriculture.  

In addition to the civilizations that came before them, the Aztecs adopted the idea from the Maya, that cacao was a god-given fruit. They used cacao beans as a commodity, considering them as valuable as Spaniards saw Gold. Additionally, they followed the tradition of preparing chocolate as a drink in rich cultural rituals, and were particularly entranced by chocolate’s libido enhancement properties. 

Who Brought Chocolate To Europe?

The enchantment of chocolate has captivated the human palate for centuries, and it’s only grown ever since it expanded beyond its Mesoamerican roots. These days, what was once viewed as a luxury, and as valuable as gold, is now available for a couple of bucks at your local convenience store.

Chocolate made its way to Spain via means of the explorer Hernán Cortés, who was searching for gold. He was surprised to be presented with an abundance of cacao beans. 

Chocolate: From Currency to a Commodity

When Cortes came to meet with the Aztecs, he was on a conquest for gold. Evidently, he was shown cacao beans instead. This is a testament to the value the Mayans–and subsequently the Aztecs–placed on cacao. Cacao was used as currency, as well as a sacred drink for rituals and extravagant events.

Initially Spaniards didn’t think much of cacao. Mixing these ground beans with chiles and corn masa was not too pleasing to the European palate. 

Eventually, Spaniards began drinking chocolate with some changes; imparting sweetness to please their palates. Spanish monks were the first to add sugar to chocolate, creating something far more similar to the hot chocolate we drink today. 

Chocolate was served as a beverage to noble people in Spain, adorned with occasional spices such as cinnamon, instead of the chile peppers and corn masa that were traditionally used by Native Mesoamericans. 

In Spain, their unique take on the original unsweetened beverage was served to nobility, and prized as a special secret of the Spanish. It was 100 years before Chocolate was brought to other countries.

Nowadays, you can still find it prepared similarly in the form of Champurrado. This corn-masa thickened drink is sweetened with ingredients like piloncillo and cinnamon, providing a uniquely Mexican experience. 

How Chocolate Became So Sexy

Montezuma II, the Aztec emperor, was probably the greatest testament to chocolate’s erotic reputation. The emperor enjoyed this beverage so much, he even served xocolatl to Spanish explorers in 1519, who were considered honored guests. 

While chocolate was considered medicinal for many reasons, Montezuma prized his favorite drink for enhancing his sexual performance. It was said that the emperor consumed copious amounts of this frothy, bitter concoction to heighten his virility and stamina. As such, he was said to consume up to 50 cups of the divine liquid – daily! The ruler especially made sure to imbibe this stimulating tonic before getting buck wild in his personal harem. 

The emperor’s legendary consumption of chocolate specifically for his romantic exploits underscored its status as a divine aphrodisiac. The belief in its ability to inflame the senses and invigorate the body was so strong that cacao beans were even used as currency, a tangible measure of value and desire.

Preparation of Chocolate or Xocolatl

The preparation of xocolatl was a ritual in itself. This took a meticulous process that involved roasting and grinding cacao beans into a paste. This paste was then mixed with water and spices, along with nixtamalized cornmeal for thickening. This ancient, labor-intensive method produced a concoction that  had undeniable, potent effects on the mind and body. However, it was also far removed from the sugary sweetness of modern chocolate.

The frothy beverage, often spiced with chili peppers and vanilla, was a complex blend of bitterness and heat. Xocolatl was a a sensory experience that stimulated passion in the brain. This was especially powerful when combined with the effects of spiritual rituals. 

As the bitter liquid coursed through the veins of its consumers, it was believed to trigger the release of mood-enhancing chemicals within the brain. 

How Does Chocolate Stimulate the Brain?

Phenylethylamine is a compound found in chocolate. This compound is known to stimulate the same neurological pathways as falling in love or experiencing intense attraction. 

Anandamide, another compound, induces a state of bliss, its name derived from the Sanskrit word for joy or delight. These scientific findings lend at least some credence to chocolate’s sexy reputation.

So when I say a decadent chocolate cake tastes like “love,” I most certainly mean it.

Even modern day chocolate can prove to be a multi-sensory experience! While it may be sweet, sometimes cloyingly so, it also provides savory undertones to satisfy all senses of your palate. Now you know–a taste of this treat has the power to evoke the most delicious cocktail of brain chemicals!

Today, chocolate remains a symbol of romance and pleasure. Somehow, throughout the trials of time, the decadent treat still proves it’s a true descendant of the sacred xocolatl. While the recipe has evolved to suit sweeter tastes, the essence of chocolate’s allure persists. Chocolate continues to be a universal language of love, a key to unlocking desire, and always proves to be the perfect romantic gift.

Experience the enduring power of ancient wisdom, yourself, this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a bite or three, before you seal the deal! 💋 

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