New display at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum explores the origins of cacao
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Ottawa, ON, December 21, 2023 — A new showcase at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum aims to enlighten visitors on the origins of chocolate’s key ingredient.
Ecuador: The Origins of Cacao explores Ecuador as the starting point in the origin story of chocolate. Findings from scientific research published in 2018 by a team of Canadian and Ecuadorian researchers point to the oldest evidence of chocolate use, suggesting that cocoa originated and was domesticated in the Ecuadorian Amazon 5,300 years ago.
The display delves into the sweet details about cacao production and the fascinating archeological discovery in Ecuador. Visitors will uncover a variety of stories stemming from the origins of this central ingredient in chocolate production — a treat so beloved it is consumed by Canadians on an average of six kilograms per year!
The display was developed in partnership with the Embassy of Ecuador.
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is thrilled to collaborate with the Embassy of Ecuador to help educate our visitors about the complex origins of cacao. Our countries have a shared passion for chocolate, and this showcase will help visitors to better understand Ecuador’s role in bringing this beloved treat to Canada and the world.
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Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
Ingenium oversees three national museums of science and innovation in Ottawa — the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Its lngenium Centre houses an exceptional collection of artifacts, a research institute, and a digital innovation lab. Our museums, digital content, outreach programs, travelling exhibitions, and collaborative spaces help to educate, entertain, and engage audiences across Canada and around the world. Our mandate is to bring science literacy and inspiration to people in Canada of all ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds.
