In addition to our passion for coffee, we have also built up a great passion for good quality Cacao in its purest form. We have had the pleasure of living with Cacao farmers in the Amazonas in Ecuador and thereby gained a great knowledge of cacao in its pure form. So it is with much joy that we today are working with this very fine cacao, directly traded from the Amazonas of Ecuador.
We feel proud within our hearts when working with this high quality cacao.
Not everyone knows about the origins of Cacao, neither what a Ceremonial Graded Cacao actually is. So we wrote this post, to give you some beautiful facts about this.
The origins of cacao can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, where the Aztecs and Mayans cultivated the cacao tree. Cacao was used in religious ceremonies and later as a luxury drink mixed with spices. Both Mayan and Aztec cultures had cacao as a staple for centuries, and cacao had a place in these empires as a sacred and highly ritual plant.
What is Ceremonial Graded Cacao?
Ceremonial Graded Cacao refers first of foremost to a premium, pure cacao that is ethically sourced from small family farms that practice regenerative forestry.Ceremonial graded cacao, is made from a single ingredient, whole and raw cacao beans, with nothing added or removed.
Cacao Ceremony
Cacao Ceremony often refers to the use of cacao in spiritual or ceremonial contexts. The Mayans and the Aztecs used cacao in their ceremonies with a desire to connect with, be guided by and learn from cacao.Cacao ceremony is therefore said to be an opportunity to listen and connect with oneself.
Facts for Ceremonial Cacao
The cacao dose for ceremonial use is often between 30-40g cacao per cup and this is said to give a heart-opening feeling as well as a mild increase in energy in the body due to the high content of theobromine in the raw cacao.
Traditionally, Criollo beans have been preferred in ceremonial cocoa due to their complex flavor profile.
The Ceremonial graded Cacao from Banfield, is made from the Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional Criollo beans , famous for its unique aroma and taste, representing one of the world's finest and oldest aromatic beans.
The Choice is yours
As the cacao from the Banfield Shop is a premium Ceremonial grade cacao, you can use it as a wonderful Ceremonial Cacao. But you can also enjoy it, simply as a very delicious varm cup of delightful - “drink of the Gods"- Your choice.
If this post got you thirsty for a tasty treat of real Ceremonial Graded Cacao, you can buy our amazing cacao right here:
Banfield - Ceremonial Graded Cacao from Ecuador
Much Love
Mark & Christina