Cacao is non-perishable at room temperature. Just store it in a cool, dark, dry place to avoid melting. Once you open the package, re-package or transfer it to a tight container to prevent any moisture from getting in.
1) Ceremonial Grade Cacao Paste is made by fermenting and lightly toasting or sun-drying the cacao beans, peeling the husks, stone-grinding them down to be set into a block. Nothing is added and nothing is removed. The bean’s fat remains intact, helping to balance its stimulating properties and facilitate absorption over a longer period of time. This creates the delicious creaminess of our beautiful cacao without the need for any added milks or dairy products.
2) Cocoa powder has been roasted for long periods of time at higher temperatures, which changes the molecular structure of the bean, lowering its naturally abundant nutritional value.
3) Cacao powder, although it may be organic, “raw” and a “superfood” is also highly processed to commercial standards, removing the bean’s natural fat—cacao butter. This means that many living enzymes, healthy fat and most of the subtle energetic properties of cacao have been destroyed.
It's important to note that there is nothing wrong with cacao powder per se, however intense heat and industrial processing means that it has been separated from its fat element with many of its active compounds destroyed. This completely changes how this plant is received and absorbed by the body and it means we are missing out on some of the juiciest and most exciting properties of this medicine.
We recommend heating the medium of your choice with gas or electric power instead of microwave energy. Bring your water or preferred milk to a simmer, not a boil. Once hot enough, add and stir your chopped cacao until thick and frothy. Pour into your favorite cup once the cacao is fully dissolved.
That's up to you to decide. Everyday is absolutely fine. If you feel called for a second serving, we recommend having it several hours apart using a lower dose. Like anything else, we also recommend intermittent breaks. There are no set standards for this, and we leave this up to your preference.
Generally we do not recommend cacao after 7:00pm because of its gentle, stimulating factors which some may be sensitive to. Ironically, some people have reported having improved sleep because of cacao's abundance of magnesium (supports nervous system) and other mood boosting compounds.
1/2 tablespoon before bed has been known to aid in lucid dreaming practices.
100% cacao paste is by its very nature bitter because NOTHING is added or removed. While making a hot drink you can add natural sweeteners or spices to your liking without the downside of it being processed and containing high amounts of sugar like the average chocolate “candy” contains.
It is important to understand the difference between a candy bar (full of unknown and artificial ingredients) vs. cacao which is just ONE ingredient.
Cacao has a packaged shelf life of 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 it is completely natural and benign.
Cacao can be consumed in moderation. Listen to your body and consult your doctor.
Cacao can increase your heart rate slightly. If you know an increase in your heart rate may cause a problem for your health, please speak with your trusted medical doctor. The same goes for any medical problems relating to blood pressure. Everyone responds differently, thus if you feel called to cacao and its ability to support your journey, speak to your trusted doctor.
First-generation antidepressants contraindicate with tyramine in cacao but it is generally safe to consume cacao at lower doses between 10-20g. Second-generation antidepressants (SSRI’s) contraindicate with tryptophan in cacao but it is still generally safe to consume at lower doses. We recommend you speak with your trusted medical doctor.
No! Please keep away from any pets. Real cacao contains compounds that ARE detrimental to dogs, cats, parrots, horses, etc. DO NOT LET THEM CONSUME!
Above are the most commonly asked questions. If you do not see your questions here, please email chynna@sagecacao.com. We will continue to add onto the FAQ list as we receive more feedback!