{"product_id":"ceremonial-cacao-theobroma-cacao","title":"Peruvian Ceremonial Cacao | Theobroma cacao","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhole Cacao Mass • Naturally Retained Cocoa Butter • Grated for Easy Preparation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGST-free — no GST charged\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peru\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Identity:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eTheobroma cacao\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIngredients:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Cacao\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCacao Butter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Naturally Retained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNaturally Occurring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Theobromine • Caffeine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrated \u0026amp; Packed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Australia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCacao Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep Cacao\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bold • Naturally Bitter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full • Smooth\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAbout Peruvian Ceremonial Cacao\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is cacao before sugar, milk and flavouring turn it into chocolate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCacao beans are ground into a dense paste known as cacao mass. Unlike cocoa powder, where much of the cocoa butter has been pressed from that mass, pure cacao retains its naturally occurring cocoa butter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat difference becomes obvious when it warms. The cacao softens, the cocoa butter melts through the liquid, and the drink develops the rich body and smooth texture that make pure cacao so different from ordinary cocoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is only one inconvenience with cacao mass: it sets hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo we grate it before packing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInstead of chopping through a dense block every time you want a cup, simply scoop what you need, add it to your liquid and let gentle heat do the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo hard block to chop. No sugar to hide behind. Just pure cacao, ready for the cup.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1992, scientists discovered a molecule made naturally by the human brain and named it anandamide, from the Sanskrit \u003cem\u003eananda\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning bliss. It is one of the compounds linked to the famous “runner’s high”. Four years later came the surprise: researchers reported the same bliss molecule in chocolate and cocoa, alongside related compounds capable of slowing its breakdown. Cacao had been treasured for thousands of years before science discovered that hidden within its chemistry was a molecule literally named for bliss.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLong before chocolate bars or cocoa powder existed, people of the Upper Amazon were already living with cacao.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Santa Ana-La Florida in southeast Ecuador, archaeologists discovered cacao preserved inside pottery dating back approximately 5,300 years. Starch grains, theobromine and ancient cacao DNA had survived together for more than five millennia, revealing the oldest secure archaeological evidence yet found for human cacao use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeru forms part of cacao’s native South American range and remains one of the great landscapes of \u003cem\u003eTheobroma cacao\u003c\/em\u003e diversity. Traditional cacaos have survived across dramatically different regions, carrying genetic diversity shaped by geography, cultivation and generations of human selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom its South American beginnings, cacao travelled outward and eventually became one of the most recognisable flavours on Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThousands of years before the first chocolate bar existed, the story of cacao had already begun.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePreparation Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003e01 • Add Your Cacao\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlace your preferred amount of grated cacao into a small saucepan or heatproof vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart lighter if you are new to pure cacao, then adjust future preparations to suit your taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e02 • Add Liquid\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdd water, milk or your preferred plant-based milk.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse less liquid for a thicker, more intense cup or more for a lighter preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e03 • Warm Gently\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWarm slowly while stirring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is no need for a rolling boil. Gentle heat is enough to soften the cacao and melt its naturally occurring cocoa butter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e04 • Whisk\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhisk until the cacao has completely dispersed and the drink becomes smooth and unified.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA hand whisk or milk frother works well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e05 • Finish Your Way\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnjoy it pure or add cinnamon, vanilla, chilli or a little sweetener to taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStorage \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStore tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause cacao naturally contains cocoa butter, the grated pieces may soften or clump during warm weather. This is normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReseal firmly after opening and keep the inside of the pouch dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Biosecurity\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustralian Capital Territory\u003c\/strong\u003e • ✅ AVAILABLE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew South Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e • ✅ AVAILABLE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNorthern Territory\u003c\/strong\u003e • ✅ AVAILABLE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQueensland\u003c\/strong\u003e • ✅ AVAILABLE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouth Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e • ✅ AVAILABLE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasmania\u003c\/strong\u003e • ✅ AVAILABLE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoria\u003c\/strong\u003e • ✅ AVAILABLE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestern Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e • ✅ AVAILABLE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternational\u003c\/strong\u003e • ⚠️ CONDITIONS APPLY\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInternational postage is available where permitted. Customers are responsible for confirming destination-specific import requirements before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast Reviewed:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 October 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSecure Payments\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecure payment options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sacred Plants Australia","offers":[{"title":"50 g","offer_id":53860828250406,"sku":"CCA-50","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 × 50 g","offer_id":53860828283174,"sku":"CCA-100G","price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7656\/8102\/files\/sacred-plants-australia-theobroma-cacao-peruvian-ceremonial-cacao-marbled-blocks_5b798f82-ab54-4cc3-84e9-867510126246.png?v=1791679377","url":"https:\/\/sacredplants.com.au\/products\/ceremonial-cacao-theobroma-cacao","provider":"Sacred Plants Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}