Do Mexicans exchange cocoa beans for food?

It's unlikely that Mexicans today exchange cocoa beans for food in the way you're imagining. Here's why:

* Cocoa beans are a commodity, not a currency: While cocoa beans were historically used as a form of currency, especially in Mesoamerica, they are now traded on the global market.

* Mexico's economy: Mexico has a developed economy with a monetary system. People use pesos to buy and sell goods and services.

* Commercialization of cocoa: Cocoa production in Mexico is primarily for commercial use. Beans are sold to companies that process them into chocolate and other products.

However, there are some situations where cocoa beans might still be used as a form of exchange:

* Small-scale communities: In some isolated communities, especially indigenous groups, barter may still be practiced, and cocoa beans could be exchanged for other goods or services.

* Farmers' markets: Some farmers' markets in Mexico might offer cocoa beans as a product, where they could be traded for other agricultural products.

* Gifting: Cocoa beans could be used as gifts, especially in rural areas or for special occasions.

Overall, while the direct exchange of cocoa beans for food is not common in Mexico today, the historical significance of cocoa as a form of currency and its continued use in small-scale communities and gifting practices highlights its cultural importance.