• Opens Your Heart - ancient Mayan texts described cacao to be “heart opening” and even modern research shows that the active ingredient theobromine widens the blood vessels and stimulates the heart. Cacao is known for its ability to open and activate the heart chakra, the center of love and compassion. During cacao ceremonies, you may feel a deep, heart-centered connection with yourself, others, and the world around you.
• Enhances Meditation - Cacao enables you to connect with your inner spirit and wisdom, allowing for more profound meditation. Quieting the mind is supported and it allows you to focus more on the present moment, accepting all things in compassion.
• Energy Boost - The theobromine in the cacao gives you a longer and softer energy without the peak and dip that many people experience from caffeine.
• Mood Enhancement - Phenylethylamine and anandamide, compounds found in cacao, can trigger feelings of happiness and relaxation. They contribute to an improved sense of well-being and can even act as natural mood lifters.
• Enhances Healing - As the cacao opens your heart, you will experience a stronger connection with the higher self (intuition, soul, God). This connection will guide you to follow your own path and truth.

• Lower Blood Pressure - Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids. These nutrients have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and aid in preventing blood clots.
• Reduced Diabetes Risk - The flavonoids in cacao powder may help increase insulin sensitivity, reducing your risk of diabetes.
• Reduced Heart Disease Risk - In addition to antioxidants, cacao contains lots of potassium. Potassium has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease by reducing lower body inflammation and stress on cells.
• Reduced Inflammation - Some research suggests that flavanol-rich cacao may help to reduce inflammation.
• Improved Cognitive Function - A specific flavanol in cacao called epicatechin may help with some parts of brain health, including cognition and blood flow. If so, that could lead to a lower risk of dementia.
• Digestive Support - Cacao is a source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. It can alleviate digestive discomfort and support regularity.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse - Cacao is bursting with antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which combat free radicals and protect your cells from oxidative damage. This natural defense can boost your overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. These antioxidants also promote healthy, radiant skin by protecting it from premature aging and UV damage.
• Mineral Richness - Cacao is an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral essential for muscle function, relaxation, and energy production. It also contains calcium, iron, and potassium, and protein.

No.

Many people describe feeling more activated in their heart and more expansive in their consciousness or perception.

Mother cacao is a subtle plant ally. Her support is gentle and more of a "felt" experience. The power of cacao lies more in her ability to facilitate emotional and spiritual experiences in a deep and soothing way.

Ceremonial grade cacao is more than just a beverage. What sets it apart is a meticulous process that honors its spiritual roots.

Here are some ways that ceremonial grade cacao is different than widely available chocolate:

• Source of Origin - Ceremonial grade cacao is sourced from specific regions known for cultivating the finest cacao beans, areas where cacao has been harvested by indigenous people for many generations.
• Varietal Selection - The beans chosen for ceremonial cacao are carefully selected for their purity and quality. They typically come from heirloom cacao varieties, preserving the ancient lineage of this sacred plant.
• Sustainable Farming - Ceremonial cacao is often grown using sustainable and ethical farming practices. This supports both the environment and the livelihoods of local cacao farmers, ensuring a harmonious connection with the Earth.
• Harvest and Fermentation - The beans are harvested at the peak of ripeness and fermented under precise conditions. This fermentation process enhances the cacao's flavor and energetics, unlocking its full potential.
• Sun-Drying - After fermentation, the beans are sun-dried, allowing them to absorb the natural energy of the sun and the environment. This step infuses the cacao with a unique vitality and vibrancy.
• Hand-Peeling - Ceremonial cacao is often meticulously hand-peeled to remove the outer husk, leaving only the pure cacao nibs. This labor-intensive process ensures that no contaminants or bitterness taint the final product.
• Energetic Intention - Throughout its journey, ceremonial grade cacao is handled with reverence and love. It is believed that the energy and intention infused into the cacao during each step of its preparation enhance its spiritual and ceremonial qualities.
• Minimal Processing - Unlike mass-market cacao, ceremonial grade cacao undergoes minimal processing. It is typically stone-ground into a paste or discs, preserving its natural flavor, aroma, and energetic properties.

We typically get our cacao from two sources: from people who are in direct contact with the Bri Bri indigenous tribe in eastern Costa Rica and from various places and farms in Guatemala.

Yes, it is all fairly produced. We practice ayni (reverent reciprocity) in everything we do, including honoring this tradition and those who have carried it on.