Our Cacao

A Commitment To Quality, Sustainability & Equality From Bean to Bar To Mug

Sourcing

Our Sourcing Reflects Four Values:

Ceremonial Quality
Social Responsibility
Ecological Awareness
Transparency

The Bean

Single-origin cacao from small family farms in Guatemala

Guatemala has a rich history connected to cacao, and the farms we work with are in the 'Laguna Lachua' region of north-central Guatemala. The area is home to Q’eqchi’ Maya families who rely on diverse crops, including cacao, for earning a livelihood.

We pay a premium price for a premium product. Our long-term relationship offers us consistently high-quality cacao, and the farm access to a stable and high value market so the farmers can earn a living wage. The farm is 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!

The farm practices agroforestry, designed for water conservation & multi-crop propagation. They are fully certified organic, so all practices are in compliance with that.

The Cacao Process

Cacao Seedlings

The Farm has it's own cacao seedling nursery on-site. They select and propagate premium varietals, continually refining stock that is adapted to the local bio-region and producing the quality beans needed for ceremonial cacao. The nursery gives the farm increased self-sufficiency and control over the cacao produced.

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 cacao 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. The fermentation happens at the farm and through the protocol developed, they achieve a ‘well fermented’ status, based on the FCCI protocol.

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

Our model is based on direct relationship so that farmers can be paid a premium price for their product. Instead of relying on global agencies that take their own cut, we ensure prices that are above both fair trade & average commodity market prices.

The Bar

Craft Made: Bean to Bar

We work closely with a bean-to-bar chocolate-maker who has a strong roots in the artisan chocolate world. The cacao is brought from the farming association to our chocolate shop where it is precision roasted, ground and packaged.

Relying On Professional Standards & Processes

Consistency is a top priority for us, so we work exclusively with a bean-to-bar chocolate-maker who can produce the same results again and again. Using modern equipment and exact processes gives us high quality results that live up to our standards.

Beyond Cacao

Giving Back

On top of ensuring fair wages are paid to everyone along the supply chain, we have committed to donate 1% of gross sales to a non-profit partner. We want our business to continually give back as much as possible, especially to the land and communities we rely on for our ceremonial 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 Customer

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What is a cacao ceremony?

Cacao is a sacred tradition

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
Effortless Focus
Amazing Meditation or Spiritual Practice
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.

Browse Virtual Ceremonies

Ceremonial Cacao: What Is It?

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