Ecuador reveals the origins of cocoa and Bolivia promotes its excellence with international competition
15-03-24
Ecuador has established itself as the true epicenter of the origin of cocoa, challenging previous theories that placed its cradle in other regions of Latin America. A groundbreaking archaeological study, which analyzed residues found on 6,000-year-old pottery, has uncovered evidence that rewrites the history of cocoa, placing it firmly in Ecuadorian territory. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, this study not only disproves the common belief that cocoa originated in Colombia or Mexico, but also highlights Ecuador as a pioneer in the production and export of this prized ingredient.
The research sheds light on how this fruit, which today is synonymous with delight in the form of chocolate, began its journey in the highlands of the Ecuadorian Amazon, later expanding northward through intricate trade networks dating back more than five millennia. This revelation places Ecuador not only as the starting point for the use and cultivation of cacao, but also as a key player in its diffusion throughout Latin America.