Ceremonial Cacao - Putumayo

The Food of the Gods – Sacred Cacao from Putumayo

For over 3,000 years, cacao has been revered as Theobroma cacao—“the Food of the Gods”—by indigenous communities across the Amazon basin. From the Olmecs and Mayans to the Aztecs, ceremonial cacao occupied a sacred place in spiritual rituals, celebrations, and medicine. This ancient wisdom continues today in the mountains of Putumayo, Colombia, where the Inga and Cofán peoples have cultivated cacao for generations among banana trees, yucca, and medicinal plants.
This is more than chocolate. This is a ceremony in a cup.

Where This Cacao Comes From

Our Putumayo cacao grows in the fertile volcanic soil of southwestern Colombia, at elevations between 800 and 1,400 meters—the ideal range for developing full, complex cacao flavor and potency. The region’s stable tropical climate, combined with centuries of indigenous cultivation knowledge, creates conditions where cacao thrives not as a monoculture, but as part of a diverse ecosystem that protects soil health and preserves biodiversity.

The Inga and Cofán farmers who grow this cacao harvest beans at peak ripeness by hand, then ferment and sun-dry them using time-honored methods. The beans are then stone-ground into pure, unroasted cacao mass—preserving the natural properties and authentic flavor that modern roasting often destroys.

Every 450g block supports families in Putumayo who treat their land with respect and intention.

What Makes Ceremonial Cacao Different

Unlike commercial chocolate or cacao products, ceremonial-grade cacao contains the full spectrum of bioactive compounds that make this plant remarkable. The primary active alkaloid is theobromine—a gentle yet powerful stimulant that works fundamentally differently from caffeine.

The Science of the Heart-Opening:

Ceremonial cacao contains 6–10 times more theobromine than caffeine, creating a unique “entourage effect” where multiple compounds work together:

• Theobromine acts as a smooth-muscle relaxant and vasodilator, opening blood vessels and increasing blood flow without the anxiety or jitters associated with caffeine. The result: a sustained, centered energy that lasts 7–12 hours without the spike and crash of coffee.
• Anandamide (the “bliss molecule”) enhances mood and promotes a sense of well-being.
• Phenylethylamine is a natural mood elevator.
• Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, supporting emotional balance.
• High iron content (13.9mg per 100g) delivers increased oxygen throughout your body, creating the warm, expansive sensation many describe as a “heart opening.”

Together, these compounds create what indigenous communities have long understood: cacao opens the heart, clears mental fog, and facilitates profound connection—to yourself, to others, and to the sacred.

Traditional Uses & Spiritual Significance

In Mesoamerican traditions, ceremonial cacao was consumed during:

• Spiritual rituals to honor deities and connect with the divine
• Weddings and celebrations as a symbol of union and community
• Warrior preparation for strength, focus, and courage
• Healing ceremonies to address emotional and spiritual blockages
• Meditation and introspection to deepen contemplative practice

The Mayan and Aztec peoples prepared cacao as a thick, frothy beverage, often mixed with spices like chili and herbs, then poured back and forth between vessels to create sacred foam. This ritualistic preparation—setting intention, honoring the plant, consuming with awareness—remains central to the modern cacao ceremony movement.

Who Is This For?

Ceremonial cacao is for anyone seeking:

• Spiritual seekers and meditators looking to deepen their practice and connection
• Those in heart-centered work (therapists, coaches, facilitators, healers) who want grounded clarity and emotional presence
• Creative individuals seeking inspired focus without the anxiety of caffeine
• People in transition working through emotional or spiritual challenges
• Morning ritualists who prefer sustained, gentle energy over coffee’s jolt and crash
• Mindfulness practitioners desiring a tool for conscious ceremony and intention-setting
• Anyone seeking cardiovascular support through natural, plant-based wellness

This is not for rushing. Ceremonial cacao asks you to slow down, set intention, and truly show up.

How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao

Basic Recipe (One Serving):
Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons (approximately 25–40g) of chopped cacao
• 200–250ml hot water, plant-based milk, or herbal tea
• Optional: pinch of sea salt, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, chili powder, cardamom, ginger, or rose petals

Instructions:

1. Chop the cacao into small, manageable pieces to ensure even melting.
2. Heat your liquid to a gentle simmer (approximately 180°F/82°C). Do not boil, as high heat can diminish the delicate properties of the cacao.
3. Combine cacao and liquid in a blender or use a whisk to blend thoroughly. If using a blender, start on low speed and gradually increase to high, allowing the intention and gratitude for this medicine to crystallize.
4. Create intention as you prepare. Close your eyes. Who do you want to open your heart for? What do you seek clarity on? What are you grateful for? This ritual transforms a drink into a ceremony.
5. Sweeten to taste with honey, coconut sugar, or dates.
6. Serve immediately in a sacred vessel—a cup you’ve chosen or created for this purpose.
7. Sip slowly and mindfully. Notice the warmth spreading through your body. Feel the subtle expansion in your chest. Allow yourself to be present.

Pro Tips:

• Add a pinch of chili for activation and circulation
• Combine with cinnamon and cardamom for grounding
• Use rose tea as your liquid for a heart-opening ceremony
• Prepare in the morning for sustained clarity, or in the evening for meditative calm
• Always stay hydrated with water throughout the day

The Experience

Most people who drink ceremonial cacao report:

• A warm, expanding sensation in the chest within 15–30 minutes
• Enhanced emotional openness and clarity
• Sustained, calm focus without jitters
• A sense of connection—to themselves, to others, to something larger
• Improved mood and a subtle sense of euphoria
• Heightened sensory awareness
• A natural desire to slow down and be present

These experiences are not placebo. They reflect the real biochemistry of cacao working on your cardiovascular and nervous systems in a profoundly different way than coffee or conventional stimulants.

Important Safety Information – Please Read Before Use

Cacao is a powerful plant medicine. While generally safe for most people in moderate amounts, there are important considerations:

DO NOT use ceremonial cacao if you:

• Take MAOI antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). Cacao contains tyramine, which can interact dangerously with MAOIs and cause a rapid, dangerous spike in blood pressure. This is not negotiable—avoid entirely.
• Are taking high doses of SSRI antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Cacao contains tryptophan and tryptamine, which may intensify serotonin effects. Consult your healthcare provider before use. Start with low doses (15–20g) if approved.
• Are taking 5-HTP supplements. Combined with cacao, this increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Use with caution and medical consultation if you have:
• Serious heart conditions or arrhythmias. Theobromine increases heart rate and dilates blood vessels. Consult your doctor before use; start with lower doses (15–20g).
• High or low blood pressure. Cacao can affect blood pressure regulation. Consult your healthcare provider and begin with 15–20g.
• Bleeding disorders or take blood thinners. Cacao’s flavonoids may enhance anticoagulant effects.
• Epilepsy. High cacao consumption may increase seizure risk. Consult your doctor.
• GERD or IBS. Start with a small dose (10–20g) to assess tolerance.
• Theobromine or caffeine sensitivity. Some people are sensitive to these compounds and may experience headaches, migraines, or jitters. Begin with 10–20g and observe your response.
• Adrenal fatigue. High regular doses of stimulants may worsen this condition.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Cacao is generally considered safe when taken in moderation, but reduce your serving to 15–20g maximum. Avoid high stimulant intake during this sensitive period. Consult your healthcare provider about your individual situation.

Important notes:

• Do not combine with high-dose antidepressants without medical approval.
• Stay hydrated. Cacao is a powerful detoxifier; drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Start low, go slow. If you’re new to ceremonial cacao or have any health concerns, begin with 15–20g and assess how your body responds before increasing.
• Monitor your dose. Safe daily consumption for most adults is 20–60g. Excessive consumption can cause headaches, nausea, heart palpitations, or digestive discomfort.
• Keep away from pets. Cacao is toxic to dogs, horses, and parrots. Store securely.

If you experience any concerning symptoms (heart palpitations, severe headache, nausea, anxiety), reduce your dose immediately and consult a healthcare provider.

Storage

Keep your cacao block in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideal storage temperature is below 25°C (77°F). Proper storage preserves the aroma and natural cacao butter. A sealed container in a cool cupboard is perfect.

Our Commitment to Quality & Sustainability

This cacao comes from  smallholder farmers in Putumayo committed to sustainable cultivation. Every block supports families who:

• Hand-harvest beans at peak ripeness
• Sun-dry using traditional methods
• Preserve biodiversity through mixed cultivation
• Treat their land with respect and intention

By purchasing this cacao, you directly support ethical, regenerative agriculture in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.