In case you missed it, some of the freshest ceremonial cacao you'll ever taste has been flying around Australia in a flurry of excitement recently, and for good reason. This small batch ceremonial cacao, is hand made each week by Wild Craft Tasmania and sent to The Holistic Ingredient HQ in Melbourne where it sits just briefly on my online store. (Thus far, we have not been able to keep up with demand, that's how popular it is).
If you are intrigued to learn what the fuss is about, read on.
What is ceremonial grade cacao?
It is a pure cacao bean paste that contains a far higher quantity of health benefiting properties than regular cacao powder, or chocolate. Jam packed with antioxidants, flavanoids and minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium it's known for its mood-elevating, energising, and cardiovascular benefits, just for a start. Many consumers of this delicious beverage have replaced coffee with a steaming hot cup in the morning because of the energy and focus it brings.
What is the difference between ceremonial grade cacao and regular cacao?
The difference lies in the preparation and processing. Ceremonial grade cacao uses ethically sourced, organic, theobroma cacao beans that are minimally processed - harvested, fermented, sun dried and then stone ground. Significantly, it is made from the whole cacao bean, nothing added or removed. Conversely, cacao or cocoa powders are produced by heating and removing the cacao butter from the cacao bean, leaving just the cacao solids which are processed into the fine powder you receive.
How does it make you feel?
Ceremonial cacao is unlikely to leave you with the jittery feeling of coffee, instead it seems to provide a lovely warm and uplifting 'hum'. It's also energising and wonderful for mental clarity and focus. Some find they can enjoy it of an evening - I would recommend starting with morning or afternoon to see how it feels for you.
In what form does your ceremonial cacao arrive?
Wild Craft ceremonial cacao is sent to you as a beautifully packaged block of cacao. To use, you simply grate or shave off a quantity. You can pre-prepare your cacao by grating a larger quantity and storing in a Tupperware container. It is best stored in a dark place such as your pantry. Its shelf life is approximately 2 years.
How do I prepare it?
As I've mentioned, it's grated or shaved with a knife. You can then whisk or stir it into hot milk or water, however you are definitely best placed to shave it off and then pop it in a heat-proof blender (or stick blender) to give it a good whizz. This creates a thicker, creamier hot choc and is well worth the effort.
Where do I purchase it?
It is available in 200 gram and 500 gram blocks here. 200g makes about 10 cups. 500 grams makes about 25.
Here's 3 recipes to help you on your way.
Each recipe makes one serve. If you are sensitive to caffeine and/or cacao it's recommended you start with a lower dose and work your way up. Simply heat your milk or water, and combine with your cacao and other ingredients in a blender.
Simply does it.
2 tablespoons ceremonial cacao (20 grams)
1 cup hot milk of choice
1 teaspoon coconut sugar
Water me, baby - this is suprisingly thick!
2 tablespoons ceremonial cacao (20 grams)
1 cup hot water
1 medjool date
1 pinch sea salt
The full monte.
2 tablespoons ceremonial cacao (20 grams)
1 cup hot milk
1/2 teaspoon maca powder
1 heaped teaspoon unflavoured marine collagen
1 medjool date
1 pinch sea salt
And that, is it! Whip up your delicious blend then sit back and enjoy the sensation it brings. I cannot wait to hear what you think!
