Guatemalan Mayan Ceremonial Cacao Paste - Lava Love 454g

454g Cacao Paste Block from Lava Love

Description:

Experience the rich heritage of our cacao, harvested on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. Our cacao paste is sourced from a select group of local farmers dedicated to preserving their Criollo cacao trees and cultivating their plantations organically, without the use of chemical fertilizers.

Grown in the lush foothills of the Atitlan and Tolimán volcanoes, specifically in the villages of Suchitepequez and Cerro de las Flores, our cacao boasts a soft aroma with floral notes and a robust earthy finish.

Cultural Significance:

The consumption of ceremonial cacao is rooted in ancient traditions. At Lava Love, we are committed to providing ceremonial-grade cacao, treating it as a sacred food and a natural remedy. Our production processes are designed with respect for the environment, including roasting, grinding, and using biodegradable packaging.

Process: From Tree to Cup

Our cacao is roasted on a metal plate previously used for cooking tortillas for children of Mayan descent. This method purifies the beans by using fire to eliminate any natural bacteria present after fermentation.

Each cacao bean is carefully roasted and hand-peeled by indigenous families fluent in the Kaqchikel Maya language. The beans are then ground in a specialized mill to create a paste, which is shaped into blocks and cooled for 8 to 10 hours before being packaged for export.

Additionally, the shells from the peeled beans are not wasted; they are repurposed as fertilizer for our crops, further contributing to sustainable farming practices.

Stock: Available upon request.