Organic Ceremonial Cacao ~ Putumayo Tribes

This powerful Ceremonial Cacao is grown in Putumayo, a diverse and beautiful region bordering the Amazon. Lush with jungle and teeming with wildlife, the people of Putumayo have long been the caretakers of the most sacred of medicines. The lands where this cacao is grown belong to the Siona, Kofan, and Inga peoples, and their traditions have protected the ancestral knowledge and the Medicines for centuries. Connect with the spirit of the jungle in your daily rituals, or share in community, this cacao activates our awareness of our unbreakable connection to the great Mother Earth.

Long before cacao was cultivated and spread throughout the world, the indigenous folks of the Amazon discovered the fruit from a small bush- cacao. The tribes learned to utilize Cacao and started trading and sharing via canoes. Eventually, cacao made its way to the Gulf of Mexico and traveled the entire world.

Nestled deep within the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest, the tribes of Putumayo have managed to preserve their unique way of life despite the encroachment of modern civilization. With their deep connection to nature and profound wisdom, the Siona, Inga, and Cofan people are a paramount example of indigenous resilience and cultural preservation. These tribes possess a deep knowledge of the ecosystem they inhabit. They possess an intimate understanding of the medicinal plants that grow in the rainforest, utilizing them to heal various ailments and maintain their overall well-being. Their extensive knowledge of the rainforest’s biodiversity has earned them the reputation of Guardians of the Amazon.

This cacao is grown by a co-op, composed of families including those of Siona, Cofan, and Inga heritage. These are their ancestral lands, lost to violence, drugs, and mining, the people of this land are working hard to leave that in the past. Cacao is an important part of the process, providing new revenue and opportunities.

Our Cacao starts with the grower’s hand harvesting and fermenting the beans to bring out their rich flavor. They are then sun-dried, to retain all of their valuable nutrients. Once dried, the beans are sent to our San Roque, Antioquia factory in the community home on our 250-acre nature reserve. The ladies sort, slow roast, and stone grind the beans into chocolate. It is molten in beautiful blocks and packed in our compostable packaging.

Cacao is naturally full of antioxidants, flavanols, and minerals to improve your health and mood.

For many years, we have worked closely with the family of the late Taita Juan Yaiguaje. Yaiguaje in the Siona language means “people of the jaguar”. His wisdom, kindness, commitment to his people, and joy for life will always be remembered. We dedicate a portion of each sale to the Origen Colombia Foundation to help the indigenous communities throughout Colombia.

As a Ceremonial Drink ~ There are many ways to prepare Ceremonial Cacao, so let your intuition and creativity guide you. For ceremonial dosage, we recommend using 28 to a maximum of 42 grams of cacao, depending on your sensitivity. We typically use 100 ml of water, but you can adjust this amount to your preference. Heat the water to a maximum of 80 degrees Celsius and mix in the cacao until it’s completely dissolved. To enhance the flavor and create a magical elixir, consider adding cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne pepper, or any herbs and spices you enjoy. Please note that this is 100% pure cacao and contains no sugar, which may result in a certain bitterness. You can add honey or another natural sweetener if you prefer, or appreciate the deep, pure taste of the cacao on its own.

Premium Quality:

• Imported from Colombia ✓
• Made from criollo cacao beans ✓
• Packed in compostable packaging ✓
  
• Not defatted, it contains over 50% cocoa butter and arrives in beautiful blocks that may melt in the hotter months of the year, but will not affect the taste and functionality ✓
  
• Vegan ✓
• Non-GMO** ✓
• ✔ Sacred Origins: This Ceremonial Cacao is sourced from the lush and diverse Putumayo region, which borders the Amazon. It is cultivated on ancestral lands belonging to the Siona, Kofan, and Inga indigenous peoples, who have preserved their sacred traditions and medicinal knowledge for generations.
• ✔ Inspired Energy: Every cacao has a different flavor and energy, and this cacao from Putumayo has a true cacao taste without being bitter. Connect to the spirit of the jungle when using this for ceremony or meditation.
• ✔ Supporting Indigenous Communities: A portion of each sale goes towards the Origen Colombia Foundation, which actively supports the indigenous communities of Colombia, including the MaiYai Foundation. Established in honor of Taita Juan Yaiguaje, the MaiYai Foundation is dedicated to assisting the Siona people in Mocoa, Putumayo.
• ✔ Jungle Connection: Putumayo is a magical region where equatorial jungles flourish, and it is home to the Putumayo River, a major Amazon tributary in Colombia. This area is believed to be the birthplace of the cacao tree, adding a layer of mystique and significance to this cacao.
• ✔ Spiritual Activation: Incorporating this Ceremonial Cacao into your daily rituals or sharing it within your community can help activate a profound awareness of your unbreakable connection to the natural world- the great Mother Earth. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with the spirit of the jungle and the traditions of indigenous peoples.