Mexico: Ancient chocolate found on plate

Archaeologists say they have found traces of 2,500-year-old chocolate on a plate in the Yucatan peninsula, in a breakthrough suggesting it may have been used as a sauce with solid food.

It is the first time ancient chocolate residue has been found on a plate, rather than a cup.

Experts thought cocoa beans and pods were mainly used in cultures as a beverage, made either by crushing the beans and mixing them with liquids or fermenting the pulp surrounding the beans in the pod. Such a drink was believed to have been reserved for the elite.