FAQs

Ceremonial cacao is 100% cacao straight from the beans and retains all the fat content of the beans. Planting, harvesting and production of the cacao is undertaken with love and deep reverence, in accordance with traditional practices and ancestral wisdom. Ceremonial cacao is a superfood which deeply nourishes our physical bodies, while connecting us with our inner truth, the cosmos and universal existence. The benefits of ceremonial cacao are many and plentiful; some of these are listed below: Ceremonial cacao contains Anandamide (the “Bliss Molecule”), an endogenous cannabinoid which produces feelings of happiness and a natural “high.” Cacao also contains the essential amino acid Tryptophan which increases production of serotonin. These important neurotransmitters act as a natural antidepressant, while boosting energy levels and relieving fatigue. Cacao is a potent heart opener, and she helps us release emotional blockages that no longer serve us. She enables us to move past unhealthy behaviour patterns and conditioning, helping to us heal from the inside out. Cacao is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium, and is also a powerful aphrodisiac. Cacao significantly increases blood flow to the heart and brain, reducing the risk of stroke, dementia and cardiac issues. It also promotes mental awareness and agility. Ceremonial cacao is an excellent regulator of hormones, glandular function, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and has detoxifying effects which are beneficial for metabolism and cleansing of the colon.

Cacao tea is made from the husk or shell of the roasted cacao bean. It has incredible properties that help with activating and healing the body. Some of the benefits are listed below: Cacao tea is very high in antioxidants and flavonoids and helps to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. It helps stabilise blood pressure levels. Cacao tea contains theobromine and also stabilises serotonin, helping regulate mood and promote a state of happiness. It can help with improving heart health and increasing cognitive function. Cacao tea is also a great alternative for people who cannot drink 100% ceremonial cacao paste due to contraindications (e.g. ulcers, pregnancy, anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications, epilepsy medications, etc.)

The amount of ceremonial cacao that can be consumed in a day varies by individual. If you are new to ceremonial cacao, we recommend starting with around 10-14grams of cacao and gradually increasing your daily dosage. We do not recommend consuming any more than 50g of ceremonial cacao in a day. Always listen to your body as she knows what is best for you!

All our ceremonial cacao is made from organic Criollo artisanal cacao beans from ancient farms in Guatemala and is produced by a cacao collective called Chinimital del Ka’kaw. This cacao collective is formed by the people of four Mayan nations, namely Q'iche', Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi', and Tz'utujil, and their mission is to make the authentic practices and wisdom of cacao available to their community and the world. The collective is made up of native cacao farmers, Mayan spiritual leaders, elders, grandmothers in charge of guiding the process of production of cacao, wisdom keepers of cacao, historians, and other members of the community.

During the times of the Conquista (invasion of the Americas), the Spaniards prohibited the use of cacao by the local and indigenous Mayan people. Cacao farms were taken down and switched to coffee and other crops (because these products sold better in Europe), and the Mayans were enslaved and put to work in these new farms. However, there was resistance and a few cacao farms survived. These farms that survived are called “ancient farms”. The farm where we source our cacao from is one of these ancient farms, and the trees are the descendants of trees that were in this farm hundreds of years ago. In the process of plantation there are specific rituals and ceremonies made for the trees in order to follow the proper steps of traditional farming.

The Popol Wuj (sacred book of the Mayans) tells the story of twins Junajpu and Ixbalanque, who are Elders that teach us how to overcome the trials of Xib'alb'a (the Mayan underworld which represents our own darkness). They go through a journey of defeating the trials of life to overcome shadows and what does not serve their highest purpose in life. After succeeding at overcoming the trials of darkness, the twins turn into Jícaras, a form of squash which grows on a sacred tree. The twins teach us about consciousness, determination, and strength, and the Jícaras are connected to healing.