When we say cacao, some think cocoa. But they are completely different. In fact cacao powder is again different to ceremonial cacao, which is the focus of this paper and the most delicious thing I have ever discovered!
Ceremonial Cacao is the best cacao around. This is due to the fact that it is in its purest form derived directly from Peru. By pure I mean it is extracted from the grounds of its mother land in its entirety and nothing is removed. The process is as follows: cacao pods are removed from the trees when they are ready and the cacao beans (within the pods) are ground, which forms a paste, then poured into moulds and solidifies into the bricks we know as Ceremonial Cacao.
This is where Ceremonial Cacao differs from cacao powder. Cacao powder is processed, more specifically, it no longer has the cacao butter in it. I personally previously used cacao powder as I was not aware of this powerhouse superfood, and comparing the two in things like hot chocolates, it is more bitter and less creamy. In fact most of the nutritional value lies in the butter.
These beans which make what we know as Ceremonial Cacao, are extremely unique and rare, in fact there is only 5% production worldwide of it. Amazingly, it was said that many centuries ago this type of Cacao was used as part of ceremonies and traded as a form of currency.
Further, it is not only the bean that makes it what it is, it is the care and love put in from the very beginning.
“Ceremonial cacao is an ancient plant medicine, a heart opener, a wisdom keeper, a consciousness facilitator, teacher and creative partner. In modern terms, it is classed as an etheogen.”
(Sacred Earth Medicine)
Ceremonial Cacao is ethically and sustainably sourced from the Andres and Amazonial regions of Peru. Its benefits include helping with: suppressing hunger; antidepressant (mood); energy; liver detox; heart; blood flow across the body as well as libido. It is high in magnesium, chromium, copper, calcium, manganese, zinc, sulfur, iron and phosphorous.
I enjoy having ceremonial cacao in my hot chocolate as it makes me more alert, relaxed and warm. If you are a coffee drinker it gives a similar “high” to that. However unlike coffee, ceremonial cacao does not have high concentration of caffeine but rather is high in theobromine, a natural chemical found in ceremonial cacao which is a cardiac stimulant, responsible for aiding in better circulation within the body and relaxing blood vessels. This is why I do not feel jittery when having hot chocolates as opposed to when I use to have weak lattes years ago and felt like I was having an anxiety attack. Besides theobromine, it has other “happy” chemicals including serotonin.
The traditional way to ingest this magic is by adding your preferred amount of Ceremonial Cacao (it is recommended 25g) to a cup of water, pinch of cayenne pepper as well as cinnamon. I add turmeric, collagen, medicinal mushrooms and maple syrup to make it extra nutritional.
Like other health products I have suggested in other blogs, it is not for everyone. So please ask your doctors first. In fact, this is not suitable for people on: antidepressants, those with heart conditions or people who take hypertension medication. Otherwise if you are in good health try it for yourself!
I source mine from @theauthenticyou.co
You can find her on instagram.
References: