| Chocolate is not just a dessert in
Oaxaca. Here is
our insider's guide.
HISTORY
Chocolate comes from the beans of the cacao tree that grows in
tropical climates.
The word cacao has been traced to the Olmec.
The Maya
continued the use and introduced this to the Aztecs
who called it xocolatl, meaning 'bitter water.'
The Spaniards sent chocolate to Europe.
It took a while for the treat to become popular. By the late 18th
century chocolate shops were fashionable and chocolate has ever
since been a world-wide favorite.
NATURAL WORLD
Cacao refers to the tree and its products before processing. Cocoa
describes the product after processing. Chocolate refers to any
manufactured cacao product.
Oaxaca doesn't grow much cacao. Most of the beans come from Chiapas
and Tabasco.
That said, Oaxaca is one of the premier places in the world where
travelers can purchase chocolate to go with a choice of spices.
TOUR TIPS
Chocoholics take notice! There are numerous stores and market stalls
to taste the best of Oaxaca.
Mina Street is a good starting point. Note the curious scent of
dust, diesel and chocolate. Check out the barrels of cocoa beans
-- currency before the Spanish arrived -- in the doorways of the
stores.
Order chocolate with a selection of spices. Great place to taste
the concoction? Try the chocolate bar (photo)
at the Mayordomo at the corner of Mina and 20 de Noviembre. Mayordomo
was the favorite choice of respondents in our 2005 and 2007 'Best
of Oaxaca Surveys.'
If you are looking for hot chocolate at the 20
de Noviembre Market, friends recommend the Comedor María
Cristina (#19-20).
If you're looking for a clean, simple place to stay, there's Chocolate
Posada on Mina #212.
Chocolate massages are available from Namaste at Constitución
#100, Interior #3. |
