The Story Begins at the Source
Sacred Medicine Cultivated with Ancestral Wisdom
Our cacao is consciously sourced from small family farms or indigenous tribes, without the use of herbicides or pesticides.
Soil Association Certified Organic | Heirloom Varieties | Minimal Processing
Peruvian Chuncho
Urubamba Valley, Peru
Along the Urubamba Valley, ancient Chuncho trees grow amongst the Apus (mountains) on the rich fertile slopes. This variety is known to be a true “criollo” or native variety. Chuncho is known by genetic scientists to be some of the richest cacaos in the world, due to their potent aroma.
The local families are deeply connected to their land and are proud of this unique variety of cacao tree. Many of these families carefully harvest the beans to then roast over the fire, grind and enjoy their own elixir with toppings orange peel, and cinnamon.
It is said the Matsigenka Indians would cultivate the same Chuncho variety in pre-Incan times. It is very exciting for us to know the same variety exists today and is being cultivated by local families along with the Matsigenka tribe.
We want to support the preservation of the true heirloom Chunchos (unfortunately this name is often wrongly used to refer to foreign modern hybrids as means of marketing).
Colombia, Arhuaco Tribe
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
During the Spanish inquisition, a lot of ancient knowledge became lost with the influence from the conquistadors.
The Arhuaco and Kogi tribes migrated high up into the mountainous area of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta away from outside influences and retained much of their ancestral wisdom which they still live by today.
Still today the tribes face pressures (as most tribes do) from the government and big corporations wanting to claim their ancestral land to harvest natural resources or for commercial farming.
The cultivation of cacao provides a source of income for the tribe and has now become a symbol of peace in juxtaposition to the violence of widespread coca farming that once was endemic in the area.
The farmers and surrounding communities are able to reconnect with the ancestral wisdom of honoring the land by growing heirloom cacao trees which helps to increase and regenerate biodiversity in the area as they grow alongside the other wildlife.
Arhuaco farmers are determined to preserve the ancient, sacred cacaos.
Our Colombian Ceremonial Cacao is comprised of heirloom varieties such as “La Lengueta” and “Bunsi” which is farmed in alignment with traditional philosophies and lifestyles, centred around living in symbiosis with nature.
Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic causing much tighter government restrictions in Colombia, we are out of stock. As soon as the boarders reopen for export, we will receive our order and be able to share this variety again.
Belize
Maya Mountain, Belize
The Belize cacao beans are cultivated on certified organic smallholder cacao farming families around the Maya Mountain national park.
The indigenous groups - Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya, have been producing cacao for generations, maintaining a strong connection to the cacao plant.
The cacao trees grow happily in symbiosis with fruit trees and when you taste our 100% Maya Mountain cacao you may well pick up on its sweet and zesty undertones within its natural depths.
Guatemala
Lake Lachuá, Guatemala
Within Guatemala, the area of Lachuá is known as an eco-village since the Q’eqchi’ Maya families who live around the lake tend to live off-grid.
Cacao is one of the main crops farmed by this community in order to make a living for themselves.
Since cacao is essential to this community and the trees important to maintaining the health of the ecosystem around the lake, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Fundalachua, and FundaSistemas have created schemes to support the funding of this way of life. They assisted in the planting of over 245 hectares of new cacao as well as furthering language skills in relation to the commerce of cacao.
