The Mayans created chocolate bars long before their commercialization and drink.
It was known as The Food of the Gods.
(...some of us still feel that way...)
Today we will explore ChocoMuseo.
The chocolate museum is interactive...and we will be creating our own masterpieces to enjoy later.
Slightly pricey..the bean to bar tour in Antigua is about 220 USD.
Today this is virtual...so aside from the cost of the chocolate and mix in ingredients...FREE.
Complete Tour
https://youtu.be/kPyJTaHOiSM
Our Guatemalan chocolate is much different than what we are used to in the states. It is very dark...80%...less sugar...and processed to withstand the high heat and humidity.
You know how good chocolate melts with body heat.
Not so with this chocolate.
A high melting point is a must when the temperatures can easily reach over 100.
We also learn how to use the pre-roasted shells of the cacao beans to make a tea with honey and chilies.
Or infused with mint or vanilla.
You can try it yourself, here...
https://www.amazon.com/Cacao-Tea-Loose
The mix-ins for the chocolates are varied.
Nibs...jimmies...fruits and my favorite, nuts!
Yes, even gummy bears.
They even offer a mini-workshop for the kids.
This is priced more reasonably at 25 USD per child.
And mine...
Mixed in cashews and almonds with mine.
Very nice and the chocolate has a slight taste of chilies, too.
Next, we will will check out a coffee plantation and some Guatemalan coffee!
