Ever been curious about the "ceremonial" tag on your cacao? It's a question that opens up a world of history, mystique, and sometimes, marketing mysticism surrounding cacao. Diving into the depths of ceremonial cacao, we've explored various sources, from the insightful The Secret Life of Chocolate by Marcos Patchett to enlightening discussions on thechocolatelife.com podcast, all to bring you a clearer picture of what "ceremonial" really means to us at Common Roots, and how we are on a mission to open up this cacao to more bodies.

It seems that "ceremonial cacao" is a term that's as diverse in interpretations as cacao beans themselves. While some narratives trace it back to the ancient spiritual uses by the Mayans and Aztecs, other explorations reveal a more recent origin in the 1970s with Keith Wilson, highlighting a modern, new-age twist on cacao consumption. But, amidst the spiritual and historical ties, what truly defines ceremonial cacao?

At its heart, we have come to the agreement that ceremonial cacao is distinguished by its pure, unadulterated form – a 100% whole bean liquor or paste, crafted from wild, high-quality cacao beans. These aren't your average beans; they're Criollo beans, known for their heirloom quality, rich in compounds that have feel-good and health-transforming properties. How this frees up the world of cacao, is that wild grown Crillos exist in many places around the world. There are many rules that cacao is ceremonial because the beans are harvested by mayan people on the original land, and we would agree. But/and, there are thousands of places around the world, where during colonisation, Cacao was taken to be grown. This colonisation of cacao has led to it being a very industrialised, problematic industry, so we believe that cacao can be classed as ceremonial if it is wild-grown on different lands and can open up different markets to generating more sustainable industries from artisan cacao.

So, to us, what sets ceremonial cacao apart isn't just its physical attributes. It's the ethos behind it – the minimal processing, the reverent farming practices, and the deep connection to the land and its people. It's a celebration of tradition, community, and the art of tending to cacao, where each step from bean to cup is infused with intention and care.

Why does this matter to us? Because beyond the wellness and spiritual circles, we see ceremonial cacao as a bridge to more mindful, ethical consumption. It's a call to embrace not just the health benefits of cacao but to support farming practices that honor the earth and its inhabitants. It's about choosing a path that respects our bodies, our planet, and the communities that nurture these precious beans.

In embracing ceremonial cacao, we're not just savoring a delicious, healthful drink; we're participating in a larger story of regeneration, connection, and conscious living. Whether you're drawn to its health benefits or its rich cultural tapestry, ceremonial cacao offers a simple yet profound way to reconnect with the essence of life. Join us in this delicious journey towards wholeness, one sip at a time.