FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is ceremonial cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is different from regular cacao for a few reasons: The genetic strains of cacao come from the same lineages of the Mayans who initiated the culture of cacao cermeonies. Processing ceremonial cacao creates an optimal state for invoking beautiful feelings from within. Each step-- fermentation, drying, toasting, peeling-- alchemizes the cacao to a state that it has the greatest medicinal effect on the body. Ceremonial cacao is infused with beautiful intentions throughout the whole process. Each person at Cacao Source feels honored and joyful to be a part of this project. For this reason, you can feel the love emanating from each mindful sip you take.



Where is the cacao sourced from?

Currently all Cacao Source products are sourced from Guatemala. We source from the Pacific coastal region and central North Guatemala. We are very proud to offer single origin cacao strains. Please feel free to specify which strain you would like in your order.



How does Cacao Source ship cacao?

We ship our cacao through international postal services. For this reason, we recommending increasing the quantity of your order to ecominze the shipping cost. If you would like to become a distributor, please contact us directly. We currently have a distrubutor in the USA who is able to process smaller orders for a fair shipping price. When you order cacao, you will receive a tracking number.



Will my cacao melt?

Cacao paste begins to melt at 97 F (35 C). Unless you live in a very hot climate, it is unlikely that your cacao will melt in transit. All cacao is packaged in a biodegradable plastic bag in the case that it does melt, it will still be contained. If the cacao melts-- not to worry!-- it will still behold its high quality.



What happens if my dog eats my cacao?

Just as chocolate is reknown to cause fatality to canines, so does cacao. Cacao contains compounds that canines do not have the enzymes to break down. We recommend to keep your cacao far away from your dog’s reach both for storing and especially during ceremony. If your dog does ingest cacao, we recommend inducing the dog’s vomiting through ingesting hydrogen peroxide or taking your animal to a health clinic immediately.



What is a ceremonial dose of cacao? How do I measure it?

A ceremonial dose of cacao is 1 - 1.5 oz (28-42g). If you do not have a scale, you can measure by finely chopping the cacao and measure two heaping spoonfuls.



Is there any reason why I should not consume cacao?

Yes-- It is recommended to not drink cacao if you have any heart issues, as it will increase your heart rate up to fifteen percent. Do not drink cacao if you are taking antidepressant medication, as this will alter your brain chemistry and may cause severe headaches. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, just as with caffeine, it is also recommended to not take cacao.



What is the shelf life of cacao?

Cacao has a packaged shelf life for 3 years. We’ve never tried it before, but we’ve heard that it can last for 10 years. If at some point you notice a fatty white substance on the surface of your cacao, fear not! This is only the cacao butter blooming, and is completely natural and benign.



What is the optimal way to store my cacao?

Cacao is shelf stable. The optimal conditions are in a cool, dry place. It is not necessary to refrigerate your cacao, unless you live in an extremely hot and humid environment.



How will my cacao pass through customs?

In the USA, cacao will pass through customs without fees. In Europe, larger orders may have a tax paid by the customer upon receiving the shipment. The tax will be about 10% of the cost of cacao. For more information, we recommend looking into your country's postal service.