FAQ's
About our cacao
Since our cacao is a natural product, appearance and taste can vary within and between different varieties and batches. In particular, the product origin and thus the ecological conditions in the growing area have a great influence on the character of the cacao. The surrounding flora and fauna, solar radiation, air temperatures & humidity, precipitation, the ingredients of the organic fertilizers used, but also the drying time of the cocoa beans and the roasting process - all these are examples of factors that influence the cacao mass and make each piece of cacao absolutely unique.
Particularly in the warm summer months, the cacao mass may occasionally change shape or the cocoa butter may be deposited. This is due to the fact that the individual components of the cacao can separate from each other more easily due to the lowest possible degree of processing. Of course, this does not change the taste and quality of the cacao.
Preparation & Storage
There are many ways to prepare our cacao mass into a delicious drink. The classic way is to add water to the cacao and carefully melt it under low heat (maximum 50-60°C) and constant stirring. Depending on preference and intention, we recommend a quantity of 25 to 40g of cacao. If you prefer it a bit creamier, you can also use a vegan milk alternative instead of water - preferably unsweetened. Preparation with conventional milk should be avoided, as it can inhibit the absorption of nutrients such as iron and important antioxidants.
The cacao drink can be sweetened as desired and refined with various spices - here you will get a more detailed preparation recommendation with suggestions for various pleasure highlights. Get creative, create your own favorite composition and share it with us!
Health Effects
Yes - ceremonial cacao offers numerous health benefits that can be brought to fruition through regular consumption. For example, regular cocoa consumption can lower levels of stress hormones and sugar in the blood and prevent cravings. Other noticeable effects include a higher energy level, increased concentration and mental well-being.
As with all foods, also superfoods, a healthy measure should be observed when consuming. This is favored by the fact that the cacao has a very satiating effect due to its richness, so that a satisfying feeling of satiety is already achieved naturally after an average portion. So there is usually nothing wrong with a cup of cacao a day. Indigenous peoples such as the Kunas on the San Blas Islands are even said to enjoy around four cups a day, benefiting from particularly high heart health.
In principle, the many health-promoting ingredients in cacao are of course valuable for everyone. Nevertheless, we are all individuals, so we ask for mindful consumption at all times and physical signals of any kind should be listened to. Due to the caffeine and theobromine content in cacao, we advise children and people of older age in particular to enjoy only smaller doses of cacao if possible. People who are sensitive to caffeine should also try cocoa in smaller quantities first. We do not recommend the consumption of cacao for people with heart disease, high blood pressure or those who take antidepressants.
If you have any individual questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. If you have major concerns, we recommend that you ask for advice from a doctor you trust.