Study Unveils Ancient Spread of Cocoa Cultivation in the Americas
New research traces cocoa's journey from the Amazon to widespread use across South and Central America, highlighting its early domestication and genetic diversity.
- A groundbreaking study reveals the spread of cocoa cultivation from the Amazon to South and Central America over 5,000 years ago.
- The research, involving archaeologists, geneticists, and biochemists, analyzed residues from 352 ceramic objects dating from 5,900 to 400 years BC.
- Findings show cocoa was used and domesticated outside its original cradle, the Amazon, particularly along the Pacific coast.
- The study uncovers high levels of diversity among ancient cocoa strains, indicating extensive breeding across cultures.
- Understanding cocoa's genetic history and diversity is crucial for addressing modern threats like disease and climate change.
Le Monde 
Newsweek 