Ways to enjoy Ceremonial Cacao
Alison Lingwood
Cacao has been used for millennia by the Mayan people of central America. It can be considered a superfood for the vast array of physical benefits it brings to us. It is also said to be one of the foods that has the ability to open us to ourselves and others and initiate healing from the inside out. It also helps us to ground and embody new energies that are arising. No wonder many people are reawakening with the many blessings and benefits that are offered.
Our cacao comes from the Big Island of Hawaii from the slopes above Kealakekua Bay where we harvest it from young trees and from a small farm where no chemical fertilisers are used. During the autumn of 2023 we first started to tend to and pick the cacao pods and have been in a deep dive ever since learning to produce sacred, delicious and nutritious cacao with elemental magic.
Steps to making your special cacao drink
Choose a special cup that will hold about 100-200 ml of liquid.
Grate 11-15g of cacao, approximately 2 tablespoons into a saucepan containing 100ml of water. Mindfully stir in a clockwise direction as the cacao paste melts. You can use a whisk to make it more frothy if you have one.
Once melted, add a pinch of cayenne pepper and salt to activate the cacao and add your favourite sweetener, perhaps honey, agave or coconut sugar or nectar. It is preferable to turn off the heat before it starts to boil as the nutrient and flavour profile will be different.
Smell and feel the warmth of cacao before you take your first sip and ask for the spirit to come forward and bless and help you. You may have a specific prayer for that day. Use your breath as your offering.
Take a sip feeling the energy of the cacao filling your whole being. Continue to drink in a mindful way, thanking and trusting that it has already be done. Look for the signs and synchronicities that you encounter during the day.
For a longer drink you can of course double the amount of cacao and water.
A frothy cacao drink
Place the grated cacao with the hot liquid into a blender. Turn to high speed until you see the bubbles appearing.
If you prefer to do this by hand especially when making a larger quantity, use a traditional wooden molinillo in a jug. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with the spirit of cacao as the alchemical changes continue.
Alternatives to water
Traditionally water is used but you can replace all or some of the liquid with milk or any plant based alternative.
Try experimenting with replacing the water with a tea blend. I particularly like to make rose and butterfly pea tea and after straining off the flowers and petals use this as the liquid. Damiana leaves and blue Lotus flowers also add other dimension to the medicine of the cacao.
For a creamier drink add a handful of almonds or macadamia nut paste to the liquid whilst it is warming.
More recipes and musings to follow on the health benefits of cacao and deeper ways to connect with the spirit of this healing offering from Mother nature.