The Maya invented chocolate. They liked to offer a special "chocolatey" drink to the gods to keep them happy. They made chocolate from seeds of the cacao tree. A small fly pollinated the tree and this produced a pod. These pods were cracked open by animals that ate the pulp and left the bitter seeds on the ground. The Mayans gathered the seeds and crushed them. Then, they mixed it with water. Finally, they added chilis to make a spicy drink. It was basically spicy hot chocolate, which is how some people in Mexico like this drink today. I ancient times, only rich people could afford chocolate.
In the beginning, it tasted bitter. Later, sugar, honey, and powdered milk were added to make it like the chocolate we enjoy. The invention of a machine called a chocolate press and more crops of cacao beans made it a treat many could afford. Today, advertising has made it a special gift for holidays.
On your study guide, explain how chocolate came to be in YOUR OWN WORDS.