BETENA IS OUR FIRST-EVER CACAO FROM COSTA RICA!

It’s grown in Ará, which is the local indigenous name for the southern area of the country, home to the BriBri and Cabecar peoples. Cacao is intimately woven into their history and Cosmovision, which is related to, but distinct from, other indigenous spiritual beliefs in Latin America. They call cacao t'siru, and the T'sirutmi is the figure who oversees spiritual connection with cacao in each community. Betena is their word for "cheers," and they say it before enjoying a cup of cacao together! Profile: Earthy, floral aroma, notes of menthol

There are no machines used in the preparation of this cacao, making it a "top shelf" option.

Our labels and branding are approved by the producers, and we have their consent to share the cacao for the betterment of humanity.

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Cacao has been considered sacred in Mesoamerica for thousands of years, long before the chocolate industry altered the original treasure. It has numerous superfood benefits, and can also deepen introspective practices like yoga and meditation.

Every purchase of this cacao supports indigenous people through ethical direct trade, and helps them preserve their spiritual traditions and values. For more info about us and our partners, visit our Sources page.

DIRECTIONS
To make a drink of ceremonial cacao, finely chop the cacao. Measure 1/4 cup ground cacao and 6-8 oz of hot water (steaming but not boiling). Mix with a blender (with caution!), handheld frother, or other agitator to fully melt the cacao. Optional: Add a dash of cayenne pepper and natural sweetener to taste. Enjoy!

Cacao can also be added to smoothies, oatmeal, ice cream, and other foods. Experiment with making your own chocolates or bliss balls!

GLUTEN-FREE • VEGAN • SUGAR-FREE • SOY-FREE • NUT-FREE • GMO-FREE • PLANT-BASED • SLAVE-FREE

Product of Costa Rica

Ingredients: Pure ceremonial cacao paste (Theobroma cacao)

Storage info: Keep in a cool, dry, dark place. Refrigeration not required.

Heavy metal content: This cacao was tested for heavy metals by a third-party laboratory and found to be in a safe range for lead as advised by the FDA, and for cadmium as advised by the EU Commission, in parts per million (ppm). Please also see our FAQ post on heavy metals in cacao and chocolate.

*NOTE: Packaging may differ slightly from the photos here. 

*Some melting of cacao paste may occur during shipping. This isn’t a problem in terms of the quality of the cacao, but the shape may be different than pictured. 

*Color and pattern variation is natural for pure artisanal cacao. Smooth white areas are most likely the natural cacao butter. Reach out if you have any questions.

*Please allow up to 7 business days from the time you place your order until you need your cacao to arrive. Thanks for understanding that we cannot process expedited orders at this time.