Promoting feelings of Neurosomatic Bliss for a Millennia

Holy Cacao: The Ancient and Sacred ‘Bean of the Gods’

The Aztecs believed that chocolate was a gift from the god Quetzalcoatl. But the Holy Cacao goes much further back in history than that…

This magical bean became a ‘cornerstone’ of Mesoamerican culture, then the world… and the first recorded use was by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture (5500 – 1700 BCE).

Carvings and sculptures found at La Venta (an Olmec archeological site) show cacao pods, beans and vessels used for cacao preparation and consumption.

This means that…

…discovering Chocolate happened before the wheel was invented!

Once discovered, this magical bean became an integral part of the Olmecs, Incas and Aztecs cultures…

“the Aztecs even used cocoa beans as currency“

Then Cacao started making its way into Europe in the latter half of the second Millennium.

Holy Cacao: Truly ‘Food of the Gods’

Cacao truly is a Gift from God… it’s tasty and it’s SUPER good for you.

• Rich in Antioxidants
• Minerals: Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Iron etc
• Polysaccharides, Essential Fatty acids…

Cacao also naturally contains Mood-Enhancing Compounds, including Theobromine and Anandamide.

The Bliss Molecule: Anandamide

Named after the Sanskrit word ‘Ananda‘, which means joy, bliss or happiness.

Anandamide is referred to as the “Bliss Molecule” because of the roles it plays in your Endocannabinoid System.

“Because Feeling Good, is Good for You”

Anandamide is also helpful in protecting your nervous system… as well as having Neuroprotective effects.

Theobromine: Food of the Gods

The term ‘Theobroma‘ is a composite of the Greek words ‘Theo’ meaning ‘God’ and ‘Broma’ meaning ‘Food’. So Theobromine quite literally means ‘Food of the Gods‘.

Theobromine is a central nervous system stimulant…

Cacao does NOT contain caffeine…

It is the Theobromine that gives the ‘Lift’ you feel when you ingest cacao, a gentle energy boost.

• Caffeine raises blood pressure.
• Theobromine lowers your blood pressure.

Cacao is Amazing!

So What is Ceremonial Grade Cacao?

Searching for Ceremonial Grade Cacao on the internet and you’ll find many definitions…

While the definitions are many, they all seem to agree on a few things.

Here is Our Definition:

• Organic
• Non-Akalised
• Minimal Processing
• Single Origin

We believe Cacao is AMAZING just the way it is.

That’s why our Holy Cacao Powder is 100% Organic, Pure and Non-Alkalised…

With the added benefit of being locally grown in Karnataka…

The locality, the climate, the small organic farmers and the energetic link all add to the Magic that this Ceremonial Grade Cacao brings.

All of our chocolate offerings (cakes, smoothies and ice creams) use the Garden of Dreams 100% Organic, Non-Alkalized Cacao because we believe Mother Nature knows best and so that’s what we present to you.

PICTURED: The delicious Holy Cacao Super Smoothie, a favourite in the Garden of Dreams… just homemade peanut butter, Holy Cacao Powder, banana, oats and soya milk… Try it in the Garden today 🙂

What is Alkalizing or Dutching Cacao?

Dutching is a process that involves treating Cacao with a solution like potassium carbonate to alter it…

This alkalizing process softens the flavour and darkens the colour.

The powder looks darker and so it makes a ‘richer’ or ‘deeper’ looking shade of brown when used in cakes and smoothies… it’s that shade of brown we have been trained to find aesthetically pleasing.

It’s not an added colour (although many cacao brands do also have artificial colours and preservatives), instead this process chemically alters the cacao making it darker.

Also this artificial process removes many of the beneficial polysaccharides, mineral etc..

Benefits of Non-Alkalized Cacao

• Non-alkalized cacao retains a higher concentration of antioxidants
• Non-alkalized cacao maintains its natural flavor and aroma, intense chocolatey and slightly bitter notes
• Non-alkalized cacao contain more Theobromine and Anandamide, Boosting your Mood
• Non-alkalized cacao contains minerals (Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Potassium and more…) It’s also a source of Essential fatty acids and B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 & B5)

Organic & Non-Alkalized Holy Cacao

Enjoy in the Garden of Dreams…

– Holy Cacao Super Smoothie

– Hot Chocolate

– Raw Triple Chocolate Cake

– Coconut & Chocolate Ice Cream

– Chocolate Orange Cake