You may have heard of 'ceremonial grade cacao', or 'ceremonial cacao'? This is an interesting and somewhat controversial topic, especially for the people of South and Central America, who have grown up drinking cacao as part of their daily routine. There are different definitions of what makes cacao truly ceremonial, such as that the finished product needs to be 100% pure and minimally processed cacao paste, containing higher quantities of nutritional compounds. It is also debated that the cacao must be derived from only the Criollo variety of cacao bean, and be organically grown and created in small batches. Other sources contend that the cacao must be fair-trade, or to have been grown in specific sacred places, or to have been blessed by a Shaman. There is certainly not one agreed definition of what makes certain cacao products ceremonial and because of this, what this label would even denote.
It was a journey to get to naming our product Ceremonial Grade Cacao. We wanted to ensure were are showing our respect to both the traditional cultural lineages of those Mesoamericans who still today use Cacao as part of their rituals, cosmovision and spiritual identity, as well as people from cosmopolitan Latin American cities and towns who partake in daily cacao consumption. We do believe that the incorporation of drinking cacao into contemporary ceremonies, that are influenced by both these traditions, is a powerful and valuable addition offering many deep benefits. Upon researching the definitions of Ceremonial Cacao and Ceremonial Grade Cacao, our cacao does fit into this category, a category that many cacao drinkers have grown to know (and love).
At Pachamama Goods we celebrate the respect that is afforded to cacao and love the idea that our certified organic, minimally processed and premium quality cacao can be included as part of your personal or group rituals, especially when brewed with a clear intention and conscious connection to this unique and enchanting botanical.