Overview

• 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.