The different strains of cacao available here at KAKAO

All KAKAO products are strictly ceremonial grade. KAKAO is sourced from small family farms in the remote jungles of Peru, Guatemala, & Colombia far from industrial influence. Most of the farms we source from have only recently developed the infrastructure necessary to access their cacao. We have established direct-trade relationships with the farmers, families and tribes that we work with, meaning they set their prices and determine for themselves what their cacao is worth, versus using middlemen, distributors or brokers that devalue the ones who make this gift available to us.

KAKAO is now offered in four different varieties, please read below to learn about the differences.

 

Cacao Chuncho (Peru)

Cacao Chuncho is a native (heirloom) strain of cacao from Peru. It is the core variety of cacao KAKAO has been sourcing since 2017 and is what the community is used to receiving. Cacao Chuncho is known to be naturally higher in cocoa butter, typically requiring less sweetener. While taste is subjective, our Founder Makenzie finds Cacao Chuncho to be light, somewhat floral with a bit of tang, and deliciously creamy. It is loved by our customers worldwide and we are truly passionate about this variety of cacao. We offer the Chuncho in both the Pure and the Signature Blend, and it comes in granular/scoopable form (in non-summer months).

 

Cacao Criollo (Guatemala)

Cacao Criollo is a native (heirloom) strain of cacao from Guatemala. KAKAO was originally founded with a focus on this strain of cacao, however it is not until recently that our farmer contact in the jungle of Guatemala could source true criollo in higher quantities with integrity. As of August 2022, we are proud of be able to relaunch this variety of cacao as a part of our KAKAO product offerings. While taste is subjective, our Founder Makenzie finds this strain to be a deeper, rich, traditional chocolate experience.  We offer the Criollo seasonally in both the Pure and the Signature Blend, and it comes in granular/scoopable form (in non-summer months).

 

Arhuaco Cacao (Colombia)

Arhuaco Cacao is a blend of cacao varieties, sourced from the Arhuaco/Ike tribe & small farmers in Colombia. It has somewhat of a more tangy element, with hints of sour cherry and coffee. This cacao is very heart opening and expansive. Our long term goal with our various partners on the ground in Colombia is to offer single-origin Cacao Blanco (the heirloom of Colombia), which is a 10 year vision requiring much effort, resources, research and collaborative devotion. Stay tuned! Read more about the Arhuaco cacao on the product page here.

 

Cacao blocks from Nana Marina Cruz (Guatemala)

Nana Marina's Cacao from Guatemala is a blend of cacao varieties, sourced from her family of Mayan descent with ancient roots in their lineage's practices and protocols with the fire and cacao. This cacao comes in a block and has a darker, heavily roasted taste to it. This cacao is very powerful and grounding. Read more on the product page here.