Our Cacao
A Commitment To Quality, Sustainability & Equality From Bean to Bar To Mug
The Bean
Exquisite cacao beans from small family farms.
We source exclusively from single-origin cooperatives that work with small-holder farmers to create the highest quality beans you can find!
We look for unique, rare and potent varieties that meet our standards for organic production and farmer treatment.
We pay a premium price for a premium product. These long-term relationships offer us consistently high-quality cacao, and the farmers access to a stable and high value market. The farmers are trained in high quality cacao bean production, from varietal selection to the fermentation & sun-drying process, keeping more value-added at the source and ensuring professional standards in growing & processing.
Organically Grown
Our Cacao is Organically Grown, with no chemical additives!
We are third party, independently certified organic by CCOF.
Pesticides and other chemical treatments are often used in cacao farming, even ones labelled 'natural'. Our certification means that you can be certain that are cacao is grown to the highest standard.
The Cacao Process
Cacao Seedlings
Premium & heirloom varietals are selected and propagated, continually refining stock that is adapted to the local bio-region and producing the quality beans needed for ceremonial cacao. This is done either from seed from existing stock, or from central nurseries with seedling stock.
Cacao Fermentation
Fermenting cacao beans is an essential step in the alchemical transformation of the raw cacao bean into ceremonial quality cacao. Fermentation is a lost art in much of the chocolate world, and the modern revival blends this art with the best of science, to produce consistent protocols for optimizing each batch of cacao.
Fermentation requires a nuanced monitoring of natural sugar & moisture content, weather & heat and rotation protocols. Each batch is slightly different, so this vital step requires professional over-sight to do properly. Farmers bring their wet cacao to a central fermentary with the setup and technical expertise to manage this essential step. Most commercial chocolate is just washed and lacks this essential step.
Sun Drying
After being fermented, the beans follow a sun-drying protocol that continues the alchemical transformation of the cacao. Through a mix of indirect sun in a solar dryer and direct sun in wooden boxes, the moisture content is brought down to a finished level. In this form, the cacao leaves the farm and heads to our chocolate shop.
Beyond Fair Trade
We source as directly as possible so that we know what's happening on the ground and that the prices paid directly to the farmers reflect living standards and the quality they are producing.
Instead of relying on international certifying bodies, we put more money in the pockets of farmers, often paying higher than Fair Trade minimums.
Our Cacao Shop
Made With Love In Vermont
All of our cacao is produced in our craft cacao shop in Vermont. We take each batch from the bean all the way through to the finished product. Our small batch production allows us to optimize each run, from roasting to refining, to give you the best flavor & quality.
Beyond Cacao
Alliance For International Reforestation (AIR) Guatemala
Our Non-Profit Partner
We love AIR's work because it blends ecological & social needs into sustainable livelihoods. Their work includes:
- Farmer Training
- Mudslide Prevention
- Education Programs
- School Scholarships
- Fuel Efficient Stoves
- Rural Micro-Business
- Development
Testimonails
See why our customers love to embue cacao into their lives.
"Not only have I developed a much deeper appreciation for cacao and all the benefits of this sacred plant medicine, I am now helping to guide others through their own transformations. This training was powerful, to say the least, and I have so much gratitude...that I had the opportunity to participate".
Christi Into the Heart Participant"YUM. Tastes great! A wonderful coffee replacement"
Ashley Cacao Customer"I didn’t expect the transformation it came with, and how deep the training would take my knowledge, and relationship with the medicine."
Saydie Into The Heart Participant"Really great quality. Taste is amazing! So rich and nourishing. You can tell it's made with love. Helps me tune in and feel connected to Mother Earth. I want to drink this every day!"
Morgan Cacao CustomerReady to see for yourself?
Shop NowWhat is a cacao ceremony?
Humans have considered cacao a sacred plant for thousands of years. Now you can join the modern rediscovery of this plant and experience the benefits for yourself.
Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao-
Deeper Heart Opening and Love
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Effortless Focus
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Amazing Meditation or Spiritual Practice
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Inspiration & Creativity
When consumed in sufficient quantity and in the right setting, cacao is a powerful catalyst for all types of inner work. In a cacao ceremony, we work with this plant medicine to support our healing & growth. When approached this way, cacao will offer opportunities to cultivate greater self-love, awareness and expansion of our consciousness.
Cacao pairs beautifully with many other practices, including meditation, yoga, dance, community circle's and shamanic journeying, among others.
