Cacao

/kəˈkaːoʊ/ noun

Definition

A tropical tree that produces cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate, cocoa, and other products.

Etymology

From Nahuatl (Aztec) cacahuatl, meaning 'bitter water.' Entered Spanish as cacao, then spread to European languages. The Aztecs fermented and drank cacao as a ritual beverage.

Kelly Says

The Aztecs believed cacao was a gift from the gods and used it as currency—chocolate was so valuable that beans literally had exchange rates, making cacao the original 'money tree.'

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