Description

Criollo cacao trees, loosely known as “native” in Spanish, are the closest related to the original cacao trees from South America and are considered the finest cacao.

This variety of cacao is often used to improve the quality of chocolate and other cacao-based products, and many chocolate connoisseurs take note of the Criollo percentage. While all cacao trees require particular shade and climate in order to grow, Criollo cacao trees are especially difficult to cultivate. They are more fragile than the other varieties of cacao and are easily vulnerable to pests and disease, resulting in poorer yields. Criollo cacao trees are limited to Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, and the Caribbean Islands and account for about 3% of global cacao bean production.

The cacao is fermented and sun-dried before being milled and pressed to separate the butter from the cacao mass, in accordance with ancient traditions.

It is packed with anandamide, tryptophan, PEA, polyphenols, magnesium, zinc, and other essential minerals, with a beautiful, rich, aromatic flavor.

They personally source their beans from Peru to find the most potent and flavor-rich cacao possible.

Every batch is tested for heavy metals, including lead and cadmium.

They go beyond fair trade and work exclusively with one family farm that uses sustainable, natural agroforestry practices.

This ethically sourced cacao is free of slavery and other horrible practices that plague most cacao products.

This cacao is artisanally grown, fermented, and dried (below 118 degrees), while maintaining neutral acidity to provide the best aroma and taste.

Connect with cacao and let it open your heart and feed your body.

Ingredients: Ceremonial cacao nibs

Suggested use: Take 1 tablespoon daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. It can be mixed into hot or cold foods and beverages.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Seleno Health believes it is our responsibility as consumers, suppliers, and retailers to protect the incredible heritage, culture, and history of Maca and Cacao in Peru and to create an ethical, sustainable way to produce products that benefit all involved.

They have a direct partnership with their farmers and communities in Peru and are committed to protecting them from exploitation, which is prevalent across many areas of the industry. The farms handle the entire production of their final products, meaning all profits are shared with them, resulting in fair payment for premium farm-to-table products, a better-than-living wage, and the elimination of the middleman.

They also donate a percentage of their profits to a development fund to improve the lives of those who make their products. They believe that if they benefit from the rich agricultural resources supplied by their farmers, then so should they.

When you buy food, do your research, buy ethically, and support companies that give back. Your purchase is like a vote; vote wisely for the people trying to preserve and protect, not profit.

In the community that grows the Maca for their products, they are currently working on these projects:

• Funding improvements to the conditions at the San Jose de Quero school

• Improving their farmer’s house in terms of infrastructure, consumables, heating, water, internet, and sanitation.

• They sponsor 14 children from the community and pay for their annual schooling needs.

• They funded the building of accommodations to house eco-tourists, allowing the community to generate a long-term sustainable income in addition to their current trade.

• They are working to create cultural and professional development programs for their farmers, their families, and the local school children; this will improve their levels of education and professional experience.

They also support the Mishollo Agrarian Community in Tocache, Peru, by aiding their liberation from drug cartels and criminal oppression and by reconnecting them with their ancestral roots in Cacao cultivation. For over 30 years, farmers of Cacao in Peru have been pulled into an illegal drug trade by cartels needing coca plants to produce cocaine for export into Western markets. This has left Indigenous farmers and their communities devastated and often faced with bloodshed and violence to comply, plus instilling a disconnect and loss of the traditions, wisdom, and connection with Cacao as a master plant.

In 2012, the Rescue Cacao Program was developed to bring change to the industry. Their contribution helps purchase farming equipment so they can produce organic Cacao for export. By choosing their Cacao, you encourage them to reconnect with their ancestral roots of Cacao cultivation and help preserve the culture and history of Cacao in Peru.

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.