Cacao
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1 pound / 454 grams
Naturally vegan & gluten-free
Details
Our blocks of Cacao are made of 100% pure cacao from the beans of the Theobroma cacao tree, grown by small farm producers in Peru. The raw cacao beans are roasted, winnowed and stone ground in small batches in-house in Oregon. We believe in the quality and care of small batch production and support small-scale farmers who practice regenerative agroforestry. Intention and integrity are key to our process from bean to block.
why drink cacao?
Experience Cacao in the footsteps of our Mesoamerican ancestors, as a rich and frothy warm beverage that opens the heart, connects the community and channels the divine.
Cacao was traditionally served as a ceremonial and celebratory beverage in moments of community gathering. Each sip of cacao can bring us closer to our own hearts and those around us.
The benefits of Cacao are evident from its phytochemistry and how it interacts with our brains and bodies: Cacao contains theobromine, anadamide and phenethylamine which together create an uplifting, connective, stimulating and blissful effect through neuromodulation of brain receptors.
Cacao is medicine for the heart, both physically and spiritually. On a physical level, growing evidence shows that Cacao can support cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Read more on Cacao & cardiovascular health >>
how to prepare cacao
Drinking Cacao Recipe:
- 10-30 grams of Quinessence Cacao, chopped or grated directly from the block
- 4-8 ounces of hot water
- Suggested Add-Ins:
- Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne or ginger
- Healthy oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or flax seed oil
- Non-dairy milks (dairy may interfere with the medicinal uptake of cacao in the body)
- Honey, if you need a little sweetness!
Blend together using a traditional wooden molinillo or a blender to create a rich, frothy drink.
The most traditional preparation of cacao is thick (less water), frothy (well-blended) and includes spices such as cayenne that contain capsaicin which creates a synergistic effect with the cacao by dilating the blood vessels to allow the medicine to be more easily absorbed in the body. Traditional cacao beverages were bitter and spicy, not sweet as our modern tastes have dictated! We invite you to explore this traditional preparation and expand your palette to the subtle flavors of unsweetened cacao.
Ingredients
Shipping + Returns
Orders are shipped via USPS.
We are a small company without a dedicated shipping team so orders are typically shipped out 1-2 times per week. Average wait time for delivery within the continental US is 3-10 business days. If you need an expedited order, please contact us before ordering to check the shipping timeframe.
As a consumable food-item, Cacao is not eligible for return except due to product defects. Please note that melting or crystallization (color change on the surface of your Cacao) are not considered product defects as these natural processes are purely cosmetic and do not affect the usability or health benefits of the Cacao.