FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…

What is the difference between Cacao and Ceremonial Cacao?

There are many differences, and whilst there is not a governing body that says what Cacao classifies as Ceremonial Cacao and what doesn’t, for us at CacaoAmor, ceremonial grade cacao means: Cacao that comes from a single state and from heirloom trees - meaning trees native to the land where they are grown - grown in polyculture or agroforestry farms; free of nasty chemicals and pesticides. It is processed through traditional methods, aided with modern technology; prepared with much care to ensure that the chemical compounds in Cacao are activated. This means, fermented in wooden boxes and dried with the heat of the sun. Toasted with fire, careful not to burn it! Then stone ground.

Commercial Cacao tends to be an amalgamation of cacao beans from different locations, even single origin, can be from many different places and varieties of Cacao from a single country. This cacao tends to be fermented in very large quantities and dried with artificial heat, then toasted by electricity at very high temperatures - the industry's standard toasting temperature for Cacao is 120 Celsius! Then is ground in large batches at high temperatures and with metal grinders.

Is all Ceremonial Cacao the same?

Just as not all Cacao paste is the same, not all ceremonial paste is the same either. The variety of Cacao, the amount of rain and sun during growth and harvest and the processing methods will influence the flavour profile, textures, nutritional profile, caffeine and theobromine ratios, etc. There are many variables that can change the end product. Things such as the trees' genetic blueprint, farming practices, climate, soil conditions, and the processing of the Cacao seeds. Even within the same trees, their profile can change between one harvest and the next.

What are the best ingredients to mix with Cacao paste?

We love the unique and delicious flavours our ceremonial paste has, and so our preferred way, specially for ceremony, is to have it in water and add nothing else but more love!

Our Cacao paste goes delicious with many things. Traditionally in Ecuador, it would be mixed with Coca leaves. We have reasons to believe also vanilla and purple corn were used.

Cacao is a great carrier and enhancer, meaning that the properties of any herb, spice, flower or mushroom that we add to it will be amplified. My invitation is that you experiment. One of my favourite recipes is CacaoAmor, Rose powder, Schizandra, Vanilla and a combination of medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Lion's Maine.

We remind you, CacaoAmor is also delicious on its own 😉

Is there any herb, plant, or medication that is contraindicative with cacao?

If you are unsure we recommend you speak with your trusted healthcare professional. First- generation antidepressants contraindicate with the tyramine in Cacao but is generally safe to consume at lower doses between 10-20g. Second-generation antidepressants (SSRI’s) contraindicate with the tryptophan in Cacao but is generally safe to consume at lower doses.

The reality is, we cannot speak to each individual and everyone responds differently, thus if you feel called to Cacao and their ability to support your journey, speak to your trusted healthcare professional and contact us.
People taking SSRIs antidepressants should consult with doctor before taking ceremonial doses of Cacao.

It is advisable to not take St.John's wort at the same time as Cacao for the same reasons as the SSRIs.

How much Cacao should I have?

A ceremonial dose of Cacao is anything between 20g and 44g. For first time users, drinking Cacao without the guidance of a Cacao facilitator, we recommend between 15g and 20g, these are good quantities for daily users too. A ceremonial high dose is recommended no more than twice a week - everyone is unique and so we advise that you work your way up and always listen to your body, you know you better 😉

Remember to drink plenty of water as Cacao is a diuretic, also make sure to have a healthy and balanced diet.

How long will one large block of Cacao last me?

This is dependent on how often and how much you drink. A 500g block of CacaoAmor can last you anything from 50 days - if you consume 10g a day for 50 days - to one sitting if you are sharing a 40g ceremonial dose with 11 people.

How often should I drink Cacao?

This is up to you! Everybody is differet.

What is the difference between Cacao paste & Cacao Powder?

Cacao powder is made by pressing the butter out of the Cacao paste. There are various methods to do this. The powder that we use in our Elixir de Amor blend, is made by cold pressing our ceremonial Cacao paste to extract the butter out, leaving a powder with 20% of butter content which is necessary for the correct assimilation of Cacao in our bodies.

Comercial Cacao butter is usually done by pressing the cacao paste at very high temperatures and putting it under a process to alkalise it, also known as Dutch process. This reduces the acidity and darkens the colour of the cacao powder. This powder has less medicinal properties and potency than cold pressed non alkalised cacao powder.

Can I consume Cacao in the evening?

This depends on how sensitive you are to stimulants. CacaoAmor has very low traces of caffeine and people find it more loving and gentle than others... Studies show that Theobromine, another compound in Cacao, can actually improve sleep quality. We recommend you try out for yourself what best suits you. If you want to drink after 4pm and you are sensitive to caffeine and stimulants, you could add passionflower, lavender and/or valerian to the Cacao to make it more suitable for night time.

Every body is different and so we recommend you experiment. We would love to read your findings ;)

Why is Cacao so good for you?

There are 300+ reasons :)
Some Physiological benefits are:

Cacao has around 333 bio active compounds, making it the most pharmacological complex food that we know! Its a natural antidepressant, so its helpful to your nervous system.

Vasodilator, meaning it helps you breath better, and improves circulation as well as oxygenating the brain, bringing focus to the mind.

It promotes a healthy heart, digestion, lowers blood sugar and its an antioxidant.

Emotional & Spiritual benefits: As mentioned above, Cacao is a natural antidepressant. As it helps to open your heart, it can help you release stagnant emotions, making space for joy and play. Cacao is a gentle, playful and potent plant spirit, that can help you connect with your higher self, nature and the elementals, aiding in all kinds of meditations and spiritual practices.

Can I consume Cacao during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding?

Yes you can! Due to all its nutritional properties Cacao can be beneficial for the mother and fetal development during pregnancy. Very large doses and quantities of ceremonial Cacao are used to aid mother during child birth, be mindful of this, listen to your body and consult your health practitioner about what is the right amount and frequency for you to drink during pregnancy. Research shows that Cacao can help in the production of breast milk.

Is Cacao vegan?

Our Cacao is 100% vegan

What is the dark side of Cacao?

According to the International Labor Rights Forum, more than 200,000 children between the ages of 5 and 15 work on the African cacao plantations in conditions that threaten their health. The documentary 'The Dark Side of Chocolate' revealed the child trafficking and slave labour involved in the production of cacao.*

At CacaoAmor we make sure that the farmers get a fair price for their Cacao, this means , when the price of Cacao is very low, we pay them more than what the WTA says. Right now - April 2024- the prices of Cacao have skyrocketed!

We also give back to the community where our Cacao comes from, by donating tools and educational programs in the realm of sustainability and organic agriculture. For example in 2021 we supported one of the young farmers in a project to create a local vegetable garden managed by the women of the community. In 2023 we donated to Joel, the young farmer who collects all the Cacao seeds, ferments and dries them, a new fermentation station for this process. We also buy tools that the farmers use, as well as gifting them working boots, machetes, etc when they need them.

Where does Cacao grow?

Cacao grows within 20 degrees of the equator. 75% is grown within 8 degrees. CacaoAmor grows in a remote region of Manabi, Ecuador. A small town called Convento.

Shipping

We currently dispatch from four locations. UK, Spain, United States of America and Australia!

UK orders are fulfilled via Royal Mail 24hr dispatched on Monday and Thursday. For next day shipping please email us, we will do our best to arrange, please note this is not always possible.

Orders for Spain and Europe are fulfilled from Spain, within two working days from when the order is placed. We use an online shipping company which gives us options for best rates and time.

Orders within the USA and Australia are fulfilled within two working days from when the order is placed. We use an online shipping company which gives us options for best rates and time.

How should I store my Cacao?

CacaoAmor comes in a silver sleeve which protects it from the elements. We recommend resealing the bag with an elastic band and placing it in a dry cool place away from direct sunlight - not in the fridge! - you may also place it in an air tight container to protect further from the elements. If changes in temperature occur, the butter might separate creating an effect called “blooming” which gives the appearance of white spots on the Cacao, this is normal and your Cacao is still good to consume.

Are you fair trade certified?

We pay our farmers better than fair trade standards, yet we are not certified by the usual trade mark, as this requieres money and lobbing we are not willing to contribute to. We are looking into getting a B certification.

Is CacaoAmor organic?

Yes it is! We are not certified for two reasons; one is because certification membership costs the farmers money they cannot afford; and we are not willing to contribute in a brown envelope if you know what we mean? Second, organic certified products, including Cacao, incur a 40% vat when imported into the UK. We attempt to keep our cacao as affordable as possible, and raising the price by 40% does not support this. Also, why are organic products taxed much higher than none?!

How do I prepare CacaoAmor?

There are many ways to prepare your Cacao! The easiest and fastest way is to:

Finely chop our Cacao paste with a chef’s knife on a chopping board (preferably a wooden one that has no smells from other food) Measure between 10g and 44g (1 to 4 table spoons) and mix into a cup of hot water -not boiling!- use a blender, mylk frother, molinillo or whisk and stir until melted.

Another way is to first melt the Cacao in a pot -or double boiler - then add the water to it.

Sometimes we like to use plant based mylk, making sure it is one with the least amount of ingredients. For ceremony we only ever use water.

Add herbs and spices to your liking and, if you need it sweeter use your sweetener of preference. We encourage you to try it without sweetener first, be curious about its flavour profile ;)

Is it ok for children and teenagers to drink Cacao?

Absolutely! In Guatemala and Mexico children participate in Cacao ceremonies. It is up to the parents to see how much to give them. Every child will have different needs and tolerances to stimulants. Cacao is defiantly better and preferable over comercial ‘chocolate’ bars. There is plenty of research out there that shows Cacao can help children and people, with ADHD and teeth problems.

Is it ok to use ceremonial Cacao for baked goods or other foods?

Totally! It is healthier and tastier.

Does Cacao fit in my paleo or Keto diet?

Yes, Cacao is Keto and Paleo friendly. The paste contains natural and healthy fats.

How long will ceremonial Cacao last?

Our ceremonial Cacao has a best before date which is one year from the day it was packaged. The date we use is conservative since Cacao will actually last for years if conserve in a dry, dark and cool place in an air tight container. Cacao paste does not go ‘bad’ but after a long time oxidation could result in a less desirable flavour. Changes in temperature can also alter the ‘look’ of Cacao.

The way you store your Cacao will influence how long it lasts. As it is a living product, the flavour and aroma will continue to evolve with time.

If you have further questions or comments you can reach us via this form* or email us at hola@cacaoamor.com

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