All About Cacao!
Cacao is the raw substance that is extracted from the Cocoa Bean. That's right, Raw Cacao is 100% Dark, authentic and real. Recently, Ceremonial Cacao has grown in popularity for it's powerful health benefits. The food is high in Vitamins & Minerals such as Potassium, Magnesium and Iron, as well as being being one of the highest sources of Antioxidants in the world. Cacao has also been shown to improve vascular and cognitive function, with its flavonoid compounds; epicatechin and catechin.
Just to be clear, Cacao in its purest form is completely sugar free. The process of extracting Cacao from the Cocoa Pod is minimal. Unfortunately, much of chocolate that we see on our super-market shelves is highly processed and packed with sugars and sweeteners. Therefore, Bar Root is on a mission to share cacao with the wider population, to change the way we see and consume chocolate.
The Cacao History:
In Meso Central America, before the Spanish Invasion, Cacao was widely used by Shamans and Healers for its vast medicinal properties. It became an ancient and prominent plant medicine for thousands of years, and soon became known for it's spiritual and heart-warming properties. Not only did Cacao hold nutritional benefits, but the ceremonial practice also created space for reflection, pleasure and meditation.
How so? Well, the active ingredients relax the nervous system and steady our mind. Even the process of making a cacao drink allows us to slow down. From making the ceremony space, measuring the cacao, creating heat and stirring the drink, Cacao Ceremony reminds us to slow down.
When we take this moment to sit with our Cacao, our taste buds light up, the smell is rich and warm. It is simply impossible to rush the process. At Bar Root, We take time to reflect on our mind, body & soul, and give thanks for the little things around us.
Make Sure To Research Where Your Cacao Comes From:
There are currently no regulations in place to confirm whether cacao is "ceremonial" or not, which is why we only stock small brands that work with integrity. Unfortunately, the chocolate industry has a dark side that most people are not aware of when they make their purchase.
According to The Cacao Club, AU, "Cacao grows wildly and abundantly in its homeland, however, it was introduced to West Africa in 1879 which currently accounts for more than 80% of the Worlds Cacao production. Sadly, a vast majority of the commercial chocolate brands on the shelves today are using Cacao beans that have not only been highly processed, but have been grown and harvested by horrendously underpaid workers - often children, living and working in extreme poverty. These workers are often paid as little as $2 a day and work from 6 in the morning into the evening...
We consider Cacao to be a herbal medicine and this means ensuring that we use the same selection criteria when sourcing our Cacao as we do all of our medicinal herbs. " - The Cacao Club, AU.
Our Stock, The Cacao Club, also make clear their non-negotiables:
"- Sustainability - The earth and natural habitat where the plant is grown is treated lovingly and respectfully.
- Organic - No pesticides, herbicides or any other chemicals have come into contact with the plant.
- Fairtrade - The farmers who grow and harvest the plants are fairly paid at a price they deserve, one which allows them to sustain themselves, their families and their communities.
- Minimally processed - Low fermentation and low temperatures are applied without roasting so that the plant maintains its natural purity and quality."
We ask that you acknowledge the traditional practices of the Indigenous cultures, the people create this beautiful 'Cacao', and the land of which the Cacao is grown. To purchase our Ceremonial Cacao, click here