Montezuma and Chocolate

CHOCOLATE IN HISTORY: CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

At some time between the year 1502 and 1504, veteran explorer Christopher Columbus brought the first cocoa beans back to Europe after his fourth visit to the 'New World'. At first, however, the cocoa beans were neglected. Despite the bitterness of the drink produced, Columbus claimed the resulting concoction was a "divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food".