*Available for pre-order only. This way, you can make sure to be amongst the first ones to receive cacao from our newest batch in the making.
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The Mayan Wisdom Project

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao - 100% Hand-Made Ceremonial Cacao Paste

$24.00 USD
$24.00 USD
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PRE-ORDER ONLY. Delivery time up to 5 weeks.

Each Ceremonial Cacao block is 100% handcrafted by an Indigenous family collective owned by Elsa and Hector in Lanquin, Guatemala, utilizing traditional methods passed down through generations. This dedication to artisanal craftsmanship ensures that every piece is crafted with care, reflecting the rich heritage and integrity of our cacao. 

Available in four sizes: 0.25 Lb (1 x 4oz Block), 0.5 Lb (2 x 4oz Blocks), 1 Lb (4 x 4oz Blocks), and 5 Lbs (20 x 4oz Blocks).

Your Ceremonial Cacao comes with a beautifully handwoven bag.

You can also check out our other wonderful cacao variety: Fifth Element Cahabon Cacao.

Receive the natural benefits of our 100% pure ceremonial cacao

FOR THE MAYANS, CACAO IS A SACRED MEDICINE THAT HAS POWERFUL HEALING BENEFITS.

Cacao has been used for millennia by the Mayans, and it brings the people who consume it incredible benefits. It can be considered a top super-food for the incredible variety of physical effects it brings us, including the deep work it does in our cardiovascular system, the relief and relaxation of the muscles, the ability to open up the lungs so we can breathe deeper, its incredibly high amounts of antioxidants, etc...

But cacao goes deeper than that, it has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and regulates the neurotransmitters of the brain such as dopamine and serotonin, which creates a sensation of happiness and relief. Fully bringing us clarity of mind and the consciousness to go through the day and interact with others in a mindful way.

To be truly ceremonial, cacao must adhere to specific ancestral practices. Fifth Element Cacao stands out for its deep-rooted preparation process that respects the land and Mayan traditions. Grown in organic, symbiotic conditions and harvested communally, we collaborate with an extraordinary women’s collective and family led operation in Lanquin to bring you the purest cacao available.

Meet the Artisans Behind Your Cacao

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    Elsa, Cacao Producer

    Elsa always greets everyone with a warm smile. She began this small project alongside her husband, Hector. Since our partnership started, this Q'eqchi' family has successfully expanded their operation, hiring six additional women to join the five core members: Elsa, Marta, Julissa, Rutilia, and Hector.

  • Hector, expert in ancestral farming

    Hector (with Solveig, our co-founder on the photo) oversees the cacao farms from which our Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao originates.

    Hector is an exceptional farmer and teacher with a wealth of knowledge. He often says, "When you spend time in nature and listen, she speaks back to you."

WHAT MAKES FIFTH ELEMENT LANQUIN CACAO SO SPECIAL?

  • Traditional Harvesting of Native Criollo Cacao

    The native “Criollo” cacao pods are harvested in community, always honoring the land with blessings, and seeking permission before gathering the cacao pods.

  • 100% handcrafted

    Fifth Element Lanquin Cacao is lovingly handcrafted by Elsa & Hector, whose skills have been passed down through generations. Neither metal nor machines are ever used in any of the processes, as it cuts the spiritual energy.

  • Ancestral Mayan traditions

    As said in the sacred Popol Wuj (the sacred book of the Maya), all utensils are thanked and cleansed, that the people cleanse themselves, and that the energies are asked for permission to work with the cacao.

  • Biodiverse farming

    Sourced from the breathtaking landscapes of Lanquin, in Guatemala, our cacao is cultivated in harmony with nature. It is grown using regenerative and biodiverse farming practices that prioritize the health of the soil, wildlife, and ecosystem.

  • 100% CERTIFIED ORGANIC

    All of our cacao is proudly 100% certified organic and untouched by additives. It is packaged in eco-friendly materials, including a beautifully handwoven bag.

  • WAY BEYOND FAIRTRADE

    The cacao farmers and producers set their own prices, and receive way more than the fair trade rate, which would still be exploitative

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AN ANCESTRAL PROCESS

In this video, Nana Elsa teaches us the centuries-old process of producing ceremonial cacao paste. The steps followed during this process include:
- Wood-fire roasting: After being sun-dried, each batch of cacao beans is roasted over a wood fire on a traditional clay comal, meticulously balanced on three rocks.
- Hand peeling: Each cacao bean is peeled by hand, ensuring the utmost quality and care from start to finish.
- Grinding: Elsa and her collective of Mayan women grind the cacao using a sacred grinding stone made of volcanic rock, elevated on three legs called metate. The metate is transmitted from generations to generations.

This process is typically carried out by families or communities and has been practiced for thousands of years. The Maya believe that this traditional preparation imbues cacao with healing and spiritual powers. Consequently, they consider cacao produced in factories or using machines to have lost its essence and no longer regard it as ceremonial.

*video by Jodieinflow

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CACAO CUP

  • We recommend melting your cacao with a small amount of hot water (not boiling) and mixing it well until it becomes liquid.

  • Once it is well combined, top it up with enough hot water to fill your cup. Mixing is best with a wooden spoon or a molinillo.

  • For those new to drinking ceremonial cacao, it's best to start with a small dose and gradually increase it. We recommend starting with 0.5 oz (14 grams) and then increasing to 1 oz (28 grams).

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES, THAT MEANS A LOT!

CACAO IS BECOMING SCARCE

Cacao thrives in specific climates and under certain precipitation levels, conditions historically supported by millenary forests. Unfortunately, climate change is disrupting these delicate ecosystems, leading to reduced cacao production.

This year's challenges have been particularly harsh. Widespread fires and a lack of rainfall have significantly limited the supply of cacao beans, causing prices to surge in the market. This situation impacts not just the supply chain but the livelihoods of families who depend on cacao farming.

As a company, we are fully committed to supporting the farmers and producers we work with during these difficult times. Many of you have stood by us in our mission to provide high-quality and ethical cacao.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and commitment to sustainable practices in cacao production. 

Heavy Metal Content: This product contains cadmium and lead, which have been tested by a third-party lab. The lead amount meets FDA guidelines for lead content. The cadmium content meets the EU legal requirements for sale. It's important to note that the EU does not have specific lead requirements, and the FDA does not regulate cadmium content.

In the State of California, these elements are known to cause cancer and birth defects. We are required to inform you of this, though we can assure you that we hold our cacao to the highest standards and it is safe for consumption. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

We want to reiterate that the lead and cadmium content are within legal limits and it is safe to consume!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING