When choosing a cacao, especially for ceremonial use, it’s important to understand the different varieties available and what makes each one unique. At Grounded Cup, we work with the Criollo variety for our ceremonial cacao, and there's a reason it holds a special place in our rituals.

Cacao, to us, is much more than just dark chocolate; it’s an ancient plant medicine with deep traditions and healing properties. So why did we choose Criollo cacao for ceremonial use? Let’s explore a few of the most well-known cacao types and see what sets Criollo apart.

The Difference Between Varieties of Cacao:

• Forastero: If you've had commercial chocolate, chances are you've tasted Forastero cacao. It’s robust and slightly bitter, making it perfect for mass production. Native to the Amazon basin, it’s easier to grow due to its resistance to disease, but its flavour profile is less nuanced than some other varieties.

• Trinitario: This variety strikes a happy balance. It’s a hybrid of Criollo and Forastero, combining the complex flavour of Criollo with the resilience of Forastero. Originating in Trinidad, it’s often used in high-quality chocolate for its balanced flavour and easier cultivation.

• Nacional: Native to Ecuador, Nacional cacao is known for its distinctive floral and fruity taste. Once believed to be nearly extinct, it’s made a resurgence in recent years, prized for its unique flavour profile in fine chocolate.

• Criollo: The jewel of the cacao world. Criollo is rare, delicate, and revered for its subtle, complex flavours—think soft notes of fruit, nuts, and caramel. It’s harder to grow and more vulnerable to pests and disease, but the unparalleled quality of Criollo makes it the ideal choice for ceremonial cacao.

Why Criollo Cacao is Chosen for Ceremonial Use:

For centuries, Criollo cacao has been central to the spiritual and ritualistic practices of ancient cultures like the Maya and Aztecs. These cultures recognised it as a sacred plant, often calling it the "food of the gods." Cacao was used in ceremonies to open the heart, connect with the divine, and create deeper connections within the community.

When used in ceremony, Criollo cacao offers a gentle yet powerful experience. It’s considered energetically "lighter" than other varieties, making it perfect for heart-centred work in practices like meditation, yoga, and community circles. People often describe Criollo cacao as feeling more “alive,” helping them ground, focus, and deepen their connection to themselves and others.

Historically, cacao was consumed in large, communal gatherings during sacred ceremonies. The Mayans and Aztecs believed that cacao helped bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds, fostering insight, clarity, and emotional healing. When we drink Criollo cacao today, we’re connecting to that same ancient tradition—a reminder that this plant medicine has been used to facilitate transformation and connection for thousands of years.

Why Does This Matter Today?

In today’s fast-paced and often disconnected world, incorporating a ritual that’s both grounding and heart-opening can help us return to a state of peace and intention. For me, cacao is a tool that helps us get out of our heads and into our hearts. It gently invites us to slow down, breathe, and fully experience the moment.

When you consume ceremonial cacao, especially Criollo, you’re not just drinking a cup of chocolate—you’re absorbing its energy, its history, and its ability to guide you toward a deeper connection with yourself, others, and nature.

Nutritional Benefits of Criollo Cacao:

While Criollo cacao is celebrated for its spiritual properties, it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Compared to other varieties, Criollo tends to offer a smoother flavour and can sometimes contain slightly higher levels of beneficial compounds due to the way it’s grown and harvested.

• Magnesium: Known as "nature’s anti-stress mineral," magnesium helps relax muscles, reduce stress, and support heart health. Cacao is one of the richest natural sources of magnesium, making it a great addition to any wellness practice.

• Iron: Essential for energy production and oxygen transport, the iron in Criollo cacao keeps your body energised and your mind clear.

• Theobromine: Unlike caffeine, theobromine provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters. It’s a natural mood enhancer, promoting focus and a sense of calm, which is perfect for both physical and spiritual practices.

• Antioxidants: Criollo is rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and protects cells from oxidative damage. These compounds not only nourish the body but also improve mood and mental clarity, making Criollo an ideal choice for rituals that connect the physical and spiritual aspects of well-being.

While other cacao varieties also contain these nutrients, the delicate cultivation process and higher quality of Criollo cacao ensure a more balanced and richer profile, making it ideal for both ceremonial and nutritional purposes.

Our Criollo Cacao: Single-Origin from the Amazonian Region of Peru

At Grounded Cup, our ceremonial cacao is sourced from a single origin in the lush Amazonian region of Peru. This region is home to an ancient ecosystem where the Theobroma cacao tree thrives in perfect harmony with nature. The Criollo beans are grown under the shade of large native trees, which provide protection while maintaining balanced, nutrient-rich soil.

This symbiotic relationship allows the smaller cacao trees to contribute to the health of the soil, preserving moisture and preventing erosion. The balance between the sun and shade provided by the surrounding forest creates an ideal environment for cacao growth, just as it was cultivated thousands of years ago.

We are committed to sourcing our cacao sustainably, in fair conditions for both the environment and the farmers. The traditions of cultivating and harvesting Criollo cacao have been passed down through generations, and we honour these ancient methods in everything we do.

While there are many types of cacao, Criollo stands out for its history, flavour, and ceremonial significance. By choosing single-origin Criollo cacao from the Amazonian region of Peru, we ensure that each cup of cacao you drink is filled with care, tradition, and a deep connection to the earth. Whether for a personal ritual or a community ceremony, Criollo cacao offers an experience that’s both grounding and heart-opening, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern wellness.