Ceremonial Grade Cacao

Ceremonial Grade Cacao is a 100% raw, minimally processed paste of whole heirloom cacao beans with nothing added: no sugar, no added cocoa butter, no emulsifiers. Ethically harvested from family-owned farms and ground in very small batches. Offered from 14g and 1oz through 2oz, 4oz, 8oz, a Pound and a kilo.

At a glance

• 100% raw, minimally processed heirloom cacao paste, nothing added
• No sugar, no added cocoa butter, no emulsifiers
• Carries naturally occurring theobromine for a slow, gentle pick-me-up
• Not sweet, expect rich, bitter chocolate
• Offered from 14g and 1oz through 2oz, 4oz, 8oz, a Pound and a kilo

The herb. Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is an understory tree of the mallow family, Malvaceae, native to the upper Amazon and cultivated across Mesoamerica for thousands of years, where the Olmec, Maya and Aztec ground the roasted seeds into a bitter ceremonial drink; the genus name means food of the gods.

What's in it. The paste is the entire bean, so it carries the natural cocoa butter, fiber, minerals and native compounds. The most notable is naturally occurring theobromine, the slow methylxanthine behind cacao's warm pick-me-up, with a little caffeine, flavanols such as epicatechin, and trace phenylethylamine and anandamide. No percentages are claimed.

Dosage and use. The listing gives no serving size, so start with a small piece. Shave it, melt it into hot water or plant milk below a simmer, and whisk. The theobromine lift is gradual, noticeable within half an hour and lasting several hours, so wait before a second cup. Because it clears slowly, most drink it in the morning or early afternoon; it also shaves into smoothies and baking.

What to expect. Users describe ceremonial cacao as warm, grounding and gently uplifting, suited to meditation, a shared circle or a quiet morning. It is not a jittery stimulant and not sweet; expect rich, bitter chocolate. For the compound alone, see our Theobromine Isolate Powder.

Side effects. Too much cacao brings the familiar effects of theobromine and caffeine: restlessness, a pounding heartbeat, headache, heartburn or an upset stomach, and difficulty settling if taken late. Reduce the amount or drink it earlier. Cacao is toxic to dogs and cats.

Interactions and cautions.

• Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant, nursing or taking any medication, particularly MAOIs, stimulant medications or medications for your heart
• Be cautious combining it with coffee or other caffeine sources
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Ingredients and storage. 100% raw heirloom cacao paste (Theobroma cacao). Store sealed in a cool, dry, dark place; it softens above room temperature and may show a harmless pale bloom.

Common questions

• How do I prepare the cacao paste? Shave a small piece, melt it into hot water or plant milk below a simmer, and whisk until smooth.
• Difference from cocoa powder? Cocoa powder has had the cocoa butter pressed out, while this paste is the whole raw bean, fat and all.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Cacao is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Offered by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.