Did you know that cacao, our source for everything chocolate, has a rich history far beyond being the formative incarnation of your favourite sweet treat?
For thousands of years, Central and South American cultures have held ceremonial cacao in high regard not only for its health benefits but also for its spiritual significance.
But what is ceremonial cacao? And what is the difference between ceremonial cacao and the regular cacao found in your everyday chocolate bar or locally baked dessert?
The Early Ecological History of Ceremonial Cacao
In the heart of the Amazon rainforests where ceremonial cacao comes from, heirloom cacao trees have been sustainably cultivated using ancestral methods that date back thousands of years, in order to protect and nurture the conditions of their surrounding trees, shade-loving plants and the soils of the rainforest floor.
Meanwhile, the cultivation of regular (conventional) cacao often involves mass-clear cutting of forests to make room for single-crop farming. Although crops are being planted and grown in their place, the mass cutting of these forests is still devastating to the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Spiritual Connections to Cacao
In Indigenous cultures, ceremonial cacao is viewed as a medicine that opens the heart, bridging communication and connection to the spiritual realm. When it is time to tap into this source of wisdom, what comes next is what's known as a cacao ceremony.
What Happens at a Cacao Ceremony
At a cacao ceremony, with approaches of reverence and self-reflection, guests focus on inner exploration while also partaking in the healing and strengthening of bonds within their community.
This would involve preparatory cleansing through fasting or prayer, speaking with shamans on intention-setting followed by the shared consumption of cacao, often mixed with additional sacred spices or plants.
After consuming cacao, guests enter a relaxed state of deeper introspection through guided meditation, drumming or visualization. Once this aspect of the ceremony is complete, participants are open to share visions, wisdom and experiences with one another, further nurturing not only natural world connections but also spiritual growth and healing.
Quality Over Processing
Nutrient-rich ceremonial cacao is able to retain its flavour and health benefits thanks to extended periods of fermentation and minimal processing.
Meanwhile, conventional cacao can go through significant processing depending on the product it's being used for while often being combined with additives such as milk powder, sugar, sweeteners, preservatives and artificial flavours.
It is important to note that in ceremony, 100% cacao bean paste is often used where the dry powder is not yet extracted from the cacao butter. In the case of our products, though we use a ceremonial grade of the dry powder with a higher percentage of cacao butter, our product may not be the most suitable for cacao ceremonies as we add coconut milk powder, coconut palm sugar and medicinal mushrooms, which alter the flavour and potency. Our products are intended for daily use, and are not ceremonial potency as they don’t contain the whole bean paste.
Modern Cacao Rituals & Uses
Throughout recent years, there has been steady interest in incorporating ceremonial cacao into everyday routines and household wellness rituals. Common reasons that people carefully curate ceremonial cacao over conventional cacao include, but aren’t limited to:
- Boosting energy levels
- Increasing focus and cognitive clarity
- Improving moods and emotional well-being
- Better ability to be calm, relaxed or able to sleep
Where Can I Buy Ceremonial Grade Cocoa?
Noorish Foods offers two nourishing, flavourful options for exploring the world (and noticeable benefits of) ceremonial cacao.
Our Cocoa Sun Ritual daytime sipping chocolate will uplift your mood and improve your focus throughout the day. Made from ceremonial-grade Criollo cocoa, adaptogenic mushrooms and other superfoods, it's a delicious way to embrace a natural energy boost.
Crafted from ceremonial-grade Criollo cocoa, adaptogenic mushrooms and a symphony of superherbs, our Cocoa Moon Ritual sipping chocolate is the perfect calming blend for winding down before bed. Invoking peace and tranquillity, it allows you to reset from your day and drift off into a restful sleep.
