Yellow, red and orange cacao pods grow on the branches of the trees, and some naturally fall to the ground.
Cacao forms an important part of Guatemala's trade and economy. Today, there are many plantations, or large farms, dedicated to growing cacao. After cacao is harvested and processed, some farmers use the shells of the beans as fertilizer for their soil. This ensures that the soil is nutrient rich!
Cacao is also an important symbol of Mayan religion. Guatemalans often say "thank you" before sipping their chocolate. The Mayan people associate the cacao with their gods. The people give thanks to nature, to the cacao and their gods before drinking chocolate. In the Kaqchikel language they say matyox (thank you)! The pre-Hispanic Mayans also came to use the cacao beans as money when they traded with other indigenous groups such as the Aztecs. One cacao bean could be worth one tamale (steamed cornmeal). A rabbit could cost 30 cacao beans!
