The cocoa and chocolate we know and love was born in the upper Amazon and domesticated (turned into chocolate) in Mesoamerica. In this episode, we will explore the history of the food of the gods and, as the leading producer of fine and flavor cocoa, the role Latin America plays in chocolate today. Guests include: Maricel Presilla, chef, culinary historian, author of The New Taste of Chocolate and coordinator of the International Chocolate Awards, on the history of cacao and cocoa. *Visit our website to see a correction to this interview. Chloé Doutre-Roussel, consultant and author of The Chocolate Connoisseur, on how the economic crisis in Venezuela impacts cocoa farmers and the industry at large. Cristian Melo, professor at Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial, on the development of prized indigenous cacao and one of the world’s most prolific hybrids in the country that leads in fine and flavor production. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. This show is brought to you by the following sponsors: Audible. Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. If you like what you hear, please consider making a donation to support a second season at theslowmelt.com/donate/