The Journey of the Bean

From Cacao to Chocolate

by Samuel Mutter

Book cover: The Journey of the Bean

Extent: 288 pages

Publisher: Prospect Books

Subjects: Food & Drink

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(February 2016)

ISBN: 9781909248427

137 x 217 inches

Price: $24.00

In stock

The cacao bean’s journey is one full of incidence and romance, and one which epitomizes the Colombian exchange. Mistaken for almonds at one point by Columbus, the cacao bean’s value was soon realized even though European traders were often fooled into buying cargoes of avocado stones. Nevertheless, it became a valuable commodity, earning status through the role of the chocolate house in 19th Century European politics. This is a social and economic history of chocolate, looking at the cultural and ritual importance it held for ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations and its reception in the cultural capitals of Europe. It also lays out the controversy over fair trade that taints the chocolate industry today as well as covering the debate over its health properties. Along with the history, the book provides a full complement of international recipes, both sweet and savoury.

  • By (author) Samuel Mutter