Cultivation, consumption, and cultural use of cacao were extensive in Mesoamerica where the cacao tree is native, and cocoa beans became a very important and valuable commodity. The Mayans and Aztecs used them as money, and were very protective of their beans. They paid for food, clothes, taxes, gifts, and offerings to their gods using cocoa beans. Having a pocket full of beans was like having a wallet full of cash. As far as these Mesoamericans were concerned, money really did grow on trees. Be...