About Cacao
Botanical & Origins
Cacao comes from Theobroma cacao, a tree whose name translates to "food of the gods". The tree is believed to have evolved around 10 million years ago in the northern Amazon region, covering present-day Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Archaeological evidence shows cacao was first domesticated at least 5,300 years ago by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in what is now southeast Ecuador.
From Rainforest to the World
Around 5,000 years ago, indigenous peoples spread cacao northward across the Andes into Central America, where it became deeply embedded in Mesoamerican cultures. The Olmec people (around 1800 BC) were among the first known to brew drinks from cacao seeds. Later, the Maya and Aztec civilizations cultivated cacao extensively, using it in ceremonies, as currency, and in daily life.
The Cacao Tree Today
Cacao trees grow in tropical regions within 20 degrees of the equator. There are three main varieties: Criollo (prized for its delicate flavour), Forastero (the most widely cultivated), and Trinitario (a natural hybrid developed in Trinidad in the 1700s). Unlike heavily processed cocoa powder, ceremonial-grade cacao is minimally processed to retain the bean's natural compounds and rich flavour profile.
How Ceremonial Cacao is Made
Minimal Processing Philosophy
Ceremonial cacao is made by grinding whole cacao beans at low temperatures, typically not much above room temperature. Unlike commercial cocoa powder—where the cacao butter is pressed out and the remaining solids are often heated to high temperatures—ceremonial cacao retains the full cacao butter and solids from the whole bean.
The Process
After cacao beans are harvested and fermented by farmers, they are dried and then transported to producers who create ceremonial blocks. The beans are stone-ground or milled at low speeds to prevent heat buildup, which preserves the natural flavour profile. The result is a paste that solidifies into blocks or discs—pure ground cacao with nothing added and nothing removed. At Unified Cacao, we blend this cacao with premium ingredients to create a delicious, ground cacao mix that is easy to prepare.
What Makes it "Ceremonial"
There is no legal definition or industry standard for "ceremonial-grade" cacao. However, quality ceremonial cacao is typically:
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Single-origin, sourced from a specific region with transparent farmer relationships
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Made from heirloom or fine-flavour cacao varieties
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Minimally processed to honour traditional preparation methods
Nutritional Composition of Ceremonial Cacao
What Cacao Contains
Ceremonial cacao is rich in several naturally occurring compounds. It contains flavonoids (plant compounds with antioxidant properties), minerals including magnesium and iron, and theobromine (a gentle, naturally occurring compound). Because it includes the full cacao butter, it also provides healthy fats.
Honouring Cacao
Respecting the Roots
For thousands of years, cacao has been sacred to the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica. The Maya considered it a divine gift, using it in rituals led by priests and consumed by royalty to deepen spiritual connection. The Aztecs revered cacao as a powerful offering to the gods and a symbol of abundance, fertility, and life itself.
Cultural Stewardship
When we work with cacao today, we acknowledge that its ceremonial use originates from these rich ancestral traditions. This heritage deserves respect, not appropriation. We commit to honouring cacao's origins by:
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Sourcing ethically from farmers and communities where cacao is grown, supporting fair-trade and organic practices
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Recognising that cacao's spiritual significance belongs to the cultures that have stewarded it for millennia
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Approaching cacao with reverence and gratitude for the indigenous wisdom that has preserved this plant and its traditions
A Living Tradition
From the highlands of Guatemala around Lake Atitlán to the cacao-growing regions of Ecuador and beyond, indigenous communities continue to honour cacao through ceremony and ritual. When you enjoy cacao, you participate in a tradition that connects the Amazon rainforest to ancient Mayan temples, and links modern seekers to ancestral practices that have endured for over 5,000 years.
I have experienced so much joy and bliss through cacao. It's my honour to be able to share it with you. I hope you love it as much as I do.
Joe Motion, Founder of Unified Cacao