What is Ceremonial Cacao?
FAQ's, Health Benefits, Safety, Preparation & more...
Cacao's
Story
A Mayan Indigenous myth tells us that whenever the balance between humans and nature becomes threatened, cacao comes from the rainforest to open people's hearts and return the planet to harmony.
Not only is cacao one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, with more magnesium and antioxidants than anything else. It’s full of neurochemicals, such as anandamide and PEA which induce feelings of love, bliss and euphoria
​
If you are in need of some heart centred support during your inner work transformation, my favourite helper is this Ceremonial Cacao! I host Cacao Ceremonies and include cacao in my 1-on-1 coaching sessions for heart opening and third eye expanding support during inner work. It is not a necessary component but really makes the work easier.
Get a 5% discount on your first order with my practitioner code: hall18ca17
​
​
FAQ's about Cacao...
What is it made of?
Cacao is made from the edible seed of the Theobroma Cacao tree.
Theo = god, broma = food, = food of the gods!
​
These seeds, or “beans,” as they are commonly referred to, are the primary ingredient in chocolate and the only ingredient in our 100% Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao. The beans are harvested from multi-colored pods that grow on cacao trees.
​
Where is Keith's Cacao from?
The beans used to create ceremonial grade cacao are sourced from non-hybridized and non-plantation under-story trees in ancient tropical rainforests, then processed in the old way by hand toasting and peeling. These beans, also referred to as criollo, are the original heirloom variety that has been grown and propagated for millennia in central and South America.
How is it processed?
Ceremonial grade cacao is minimally processed to preserve the maximum amount of beneficial compounds. The hand toasted and peeled beans are ground and packaged without tempering (extra heating) and without adding or removing anything, which results in 100% pure cacao and a beautiful bloom pattern in the cacao as the cocoa powder and cocoa oil are naturally not fully mixed.
What makes it Ceremonial?
The third quality that ceremonial grade cacao has that most other chocolate does not have is that it is selected with the intention of it being used in a ceremonial way. The intention of Keith’s Cacao is to produce the world’s finest quality ceremonial grade cacao to best support personal growth, spiritual exploration, deep inspiration and connection with the Divine through whatever means you choose.
Order right from Keith's Cacao and receive a 5% discount on your first order with my practitioner code: hall18ca17
​
​
​
​
How to Prepare & Store cacao, Serving Size, Intention Setting and How to Prepare for Ceremony
How to Prepare and Store your cacao
Store in a dark, cool and dry place (not the fridge since the high moisture may promote mold)
Chop the cacao finely or grind in a food processor
Heat water until it steams, not boils
Use a blender, milk frother or make into a paste before adding all of the water
Anything can be added with the exception of animal milk as it changes the absorptive properties
If your cacao arrives and has whitish spots on it, don't worry, that's called bloom. Bloom is the actual separation of the cacao butter from the cacao mass that occurs in non-tempered chocolate or cacao. The blooming process begins immediately after the cacao cools. We believe our cacao retains more of its ceremonial grade qualities because we don’t temper. Tempering is the repeated heating and cooling of chocolate to produce a smooth, glossy finish that chocolatiers love when making chocolate confections and bars.
Serving size
Preparation for Ceremony
1.5 oz (42.5g) ceremonial dose
1 oz (28g) for daily use
​
​
Set an Intention
As for clarity, connection, information you would like to receive, help with what you are working on. When working with any plant medicine, she will meet you exactly where you are and support in whatever way you need at that time.
​
No caffeine intake for 6 hours before as it can be overstimulating
​
No dairy products on the day of the ceremony as it counteracts the benefits of cacao
​
Fasting for 2-3 hours prior to ceremony for optimal experience. For low blood sugar bring a simple snack (banana, nuts etc)
​
Use discount code hall18ca17
Cacao's Health Benefits
Promotes good health
Elevates mood
Enhances creativity
Supports performance
Deepens spiritual practice
Reconnects mind, body, spirit, soul
Information on cacao's
Bioactive Compounds, Psychoactivity, Nutrients & Safety
The power of cacao comes from its unique combination of nutrients and bioactive compounds
Theobromine to Caffeine ratio is important in defining ceremonial grade cacao
​
Theobromine is a cardiovascular stimulant and caffeine is a CNS stimulant
Keith's cacao Theo mg/g 46.8, caffeine mg/g 1.09
15 other cacaos Theo mg/g 24.8, caffeine mg/g 3.98
Theobromine is a gentle, long lasting CV stimulant
Lifts mood and energy for an extended period (no crash)
Provides mental focus
Relaxes smooth muscle
Dilates blood vessels (vasodilator)
Acts as a mild diuretic
Cacao has Psychoactive compounds not psychedelic or
hallucinogenic
Phenylethylamine (PEA): the LOVE molecule
Increases dopamine production
Enhances attentiveness and elevated mood
Helps with athletic performance, depression, mood, weight loss, attention
​
Anandamide: the BLISS molecule
Endogenous cannabinoid found in brain
Neurotransmitter that targets the same brain structures as THC
Makes us feel high and blissful
​
Neurotransmitter Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Maintains mood-altering neurotransmitters in brain
MAO metabolizes serotonin and dopamine; blocking that action reduces depression
Nutritional Elements
Magnesium - contains daily recommended dose
Mental clarity and focus
Promotes bone and heart health
Metabolized carbs and glucose
Prevents incidence of Type 2 diabetes
Helps with constipation, anxiety and PMS
Antioxidants
Slows damage to cells by free radicals
Supports cardiovascular and cognitive health
Relaxes blood vessels, improved blood flow and lower blood pressure - also assists in thining blood
Health Information & Safety
Antidepressants: The MAO inhibitors in cacao can interact with some anti-depressant meds
Food Sensitivities: cacao is a slightly fermented food
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: no known contraindications
Heart Conditions: Cacao increases HR 20-30% and lowers BP
Animals: can be deadly for dogs, horses and parrots