cacao

Theobroma Cacao

Properties

We use the nibs as they are or use them to produce all natural, pure, un-deodorized forms of cocoa butter and cocoa powder. We press our cacao as needed so you are getting the freshest version of it.

Cacao is high in antioxidants (more than blueberries, açaí berries or goji berries) which help to kill the free radicals in the middle layer of the skin and melts at body temperature which gives creams and foot butters an amazing texture. It is readily absorbed by the skin, and is an excellent moisturizer – even on sunburned skin. Not only is it an excellent moisturizer but it is high in fat, which helps to protect and repair skin, and high in sulphur, which fortifies hair and nails.

HISTORY

The first thing most people think of when they think of Cacao, is chocolate.  And rightly so, it’s delicious!  But it has a rich history in Mayan culture where it was both used as a form of currency and as a special drink using the fermented, roasted beans and prepared with spices and hot chili pepper.  The name itself even means ‘Food of the Gods’.  And who could forget the ‘bliss’ chemicals in cacao which help you feel alert and great, even feelings of love.

Local Sourcing

Tierra & Lava uses fermented, roast Guatemalan cacao which has all its cocoa butter still intact. The cacao comes from an organic farm in the Izabal region of Guatemala  on the Pacific Coast where Cacao was first cultivated.

SHOP PRODUCTS WITH CACAO