Cacao Q&A: Honouring the Roots, Nourishing the Heart

Ceremonial cacao is pure, whole cacao paste—stone-ground from the finest beans without additives or processing. Unlike conventional chocolate, it is not sweetened or diluted. It is cacao in her most alive, intact form: a heart medicine, a ritual ally, and a bridge between worlds.

Ceremonial cacao has been used for thousands of years by Indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica as a sacred plant for offerings, prayer, community, and healing. It opens the heart, grounds the body, and gently lifts the spirit.

Ceremonial cacao is made with care, presence, and deep respect for tradition.

Cacao is a fruit that grows in Central and South America, Africa, and Oceania. In the traditional Mesoamerican method—most common in Central America—the process begins with the cacao pods, which are harvested and cracked open to reveal the seeds. These seeds (or beans) are rinsed and dried in the sun. After drying, they are lightly toasted and hulled, removing the outer shell.

The hulled beans are then ground and fermented, creating a rich, smooth paste. This paste is poured into molds and cooled, forming solid blocks of cacao.

The processing is minimal, preserving the natural oils, nutrients, and spirit of the plant. This is what makes ceremonial cacao so potent—it remains in close connection with the Earth and the essence of the tree it came from.

We believe in cacao as a living spirit and a bridge between cultures. That’s why every batch we offer is sourced in a way that honours the land, the people, and the ceremonial traditions it comes from.

• Casa de Amore cacao comes from a family farm in Guatemala, where it is traditionally processed by Maya women who are single mothers, widows, and divorcees. Their hands and presence infuse this cacao with strength, grace, and grounded love.
   
• Ruk'u'x Ulew cacao comes from San Marcos La Laguna, near Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. It is prepared by Maya women from the highlands who carry deep ancestral knowledge and craft this cacao with ceremony, care, and prayer.
   

When you drink this cacao, you are in sacred relationship with these women, their lands, and their lineages. We are honoured to share their medicine and stories with respect.

Every block of cacao we offer is:

• Ceremonial-grade and organic
   
• Lab-tested for purity, including low cadmium and microbial safety
   
• Prepared with reverence, not industrial processing
   
• Ethically sourced from collectives with cultural roots
   
• Chosen for its spirit, story, and intention, not just taste
   

We don’t just sell cacao—we build relationships with the people and plants behind it.

Our Botanical Cacao Blends are designed for daily ritual and wellness, lovingly crafted by me, Jeanette, an herbalist and ceremonialist.

These blends combine ceremonial-grade cacao from Peru with carefully selected plant allies to support body, heart, and spirit. Each blend is created with intention—whether you’re seeking grounding, emotional balance, energy, or clarity.

These are not just flavorful additions—they are rituals in themselves. Thoughtfully formulated and easy to prepare, they’re a beautiful way to bring cacao into your everyday life.

Preparing cacao is part of the ritual. Here’s a simple method:

1. Finely chop or shave 1–2 tbsp of cacao.
    
2. Warm water (not boiling—think hot tea, not coffee).
    
3. Stir cacao with a small amount of water into a smooth paste.
    
4. Add the rest of the water slowly, stirring mindfully.
    
5. Optional: Add spices, sweetener, or plant allies.
    
6. Whisk until frothy and breathe in the aroma.
    

Tip: Stir longer than you think you need to. This is a sacred act—sing to her, set your intention, and listen.

Cacao is not only a spiritual ally—it’s also deeply nourishing for the body. Here are some of her many gifts:

Energetic & Emotional Benefits:

• Opens the heart and fosters emotional connection
   
• Gently elevates mood and calms the nervous system
   
• Enhances focus, creativity, and presence
   
• Supports meditation, movement, and expressive practices
   

Health & Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in magnesium, supporting relaxation, muscle health, and nervous system balance
   
• One of the highest plant sources of iron and calcium
   
• Contains flavonoids, which support heart health and circulation
   
• High in antioxidants—four times more than blueberries
   
• Contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that increases blood flow and supports cardiovascular health without the crash of caffeine
   
• Supports gut health and acts as a natural mood booster via serotonin and anandamide production
   
• May reduce inflammation, support liver function, and lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) while increasing “good” cholesterol (HDL)
   

Cacao is a true plant medicine—nourishing on every level. She doesn’t overpower—she harmonizes.

Not at all. While cacao is powerful in group ceremony, it’s equally potent in the quiet of your own life.

Drink it during your morning stillness, before meditation, in journaling, dancing, or simply when you need to remember yourself. Cacao is a ritual in motion—she meets you where you are.

Cacao is generally very safe, but consult your healthcare provider if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
   
• Take antidepressants (SSRIs or MAOIs)
   
• Have a heart condition or are sensitive to stimulants
   

Start with a small amount and always listen to your body. Cacao is gentle, but potent.

Keep your cacao in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. A cupboard or altar space works beautifully. No need to refrigerate.

Treat it like the sacred plant medicine it is.

Start simply.

Hold the cacao in your hands. Introduce yourself. Ask permission. Sit with her before preparing. Listen—not just with your ears, but with your whole body.

Ritual is relationship. Let it be slow, gentle, and sincere. Trust the connection will come—and deepen—over time.