NOTE: DUE TO DROUGHT IN WINTER 2024, SUPPLY OF SIGUACAN CACAO WILL BE VERY LIMITED THIS YEAR. WE CREATED A FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THESE FARMERS WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
This variety is named after the beautiful river that flows below the farm where the cacao grows.
Siguacan is grown with true regenerative agroforestry – not just without chemical pesticides or fertilizers (like all our cacao), but with efforts to build up nutrient density in the soil. One way that's done is by growing cacao surrounded by coffee and various types of fruit trees. Natural springwater flows from the land, which eventually meets the Siguacan River that gives this cacao its name. This cacao is very rich, complex, buttery, and has a hint of coffee aroma. It's prepared into paste by Catarina and a women's collective at Lake Atitlan.
People in photos:
- The team who grows Siguacán cacao in western Guatemala. The farm is owned by Juan in the wide-brimmed hat.
- Catarina (center) who toasts and peels the cacao, with Nick Meador (L) and his partner Kate (R)
*Our labels and branding are approved by the producers, and we have their consent to share the cacao for the betterment of humanity.*
*amounts are per 1oz of cacao paste
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 Mayan 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 Guatemala
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.
