Cerimonial grade cocoa

Organic Cocoa Mass

Ceremonial Grade - Ceremony Cocoa

Theobroma Cacao

Origin: Peru

Cocoa Mass: What is it?

Among the derivatives of cocoa, cocoa mass or cocoa paste is one of the most precious and delicious products, with important energizing properties. The cocoa mass for sale online at Terza Luna is called 'ceremonial grade' from the cocoa ceremony carried out by Mesoamerican populations, who consider cocoa almost like a medicine and place it at the center of a spiritual ritual. The cocoa plant, Theobroma Cacao, native to South America and most likely the Amazon, produces fruits called "cabosse," inside of which are the seeds, or cocoa beans, surrounded by a gelatinous white substance. For all cocoa productions, it starts with these seeds that are fermented and then dried, from which cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and other preparations like nibs are obtained.

Cocoa is a very special product, and this is evident from its name: its meaning is indeed "food of the gods" (theos). Cocoa mass, or ceremonial cocoa, is particularly so, as it has an interesting processing and history behind it.

Cocoa Mass: Production and Processing

Pure cocoa paste or cocoa mass is obtained from the slow roasting and grinding of cocoa beans, a process that heats the cocoa butter and turns the mixture into a smooth paste, which can be shaped into cocoa mass discs or bars, like those sold online in our e-shop. It can be compared to chocolate, but its processing is pure, and the grinding does not involve the addition of milk or sugar but leaves the composition of the beans in its purity. Deprived of the shell, the seeds are ground, and the friction melts the cocoa butter, giving rise to a dense and brown liquid. Continuing the processing, the cocoa butter can be separated, which is generally obtained from the pressing of the cocoa mass in hydraulic presses, the cocoa panel, a residual product of cocoa butter processing, from which further butter is extracted, and finally the cocoa powder.

The unique consistency makes cocoa mass very interesting nutritionally: it is indeed a bioavailable product, thanks to its oily texture that allows the active ingredients of the plant to be more easily conveyed and can therefore be quickly digested and metabolized by the body.

Properties of Cocoa Paste

Cocoa mass, like cocoa derivatives, is an excellent source of energy and was already consumed for its beneficial properties in pre-Columbian civilizations. The indigenous people have always considered cocoa a "power plant"; today, research sheds light on their insights, explaining that various molecules exist within these fruits that bring well-being, especially at a mental/emotional level. It is rich in antioxidants and contains caffeine and theobromine, which provide an exciting and euphoric effect. Chocolate generally has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, mood, and concentration.

Ceremonial Grade Cocoa Mass

Organic ceremonial cocoa is a high-quality cocoa mass, in which the seeds are crushed to extract the essential oil that comes to the surface. This process is crucial because many of the substances contained in the plant are liposoluble, so without that oil on the surface, its properties would be difficult to absorb. This is even more important when conducting a cocoa ceremony.

The shape given to it is that of small disks, or squares as shown in the photo. The squares are easy to melt, easy to weigh, there is no need to break them and alter them.

The cocoa mass found on Terza Luna is labeled as Ceremonial Grade precisely from the ritual carried out by Mesoamerican populations in which a pure drink based on cocoa mass was prepared, with a bitter taste and the consistency of hot chocolate, to nourish the mind and body, promote meditative states, improve mood, and create a connection with oneself. Recently, ceremonial grade has become an integral part of meditative and yoga rituals, thanks to the altered and beneficial state it brings to the mind.

What is a Cacao Ceremony?

It is an ancient ritual that, as mentioned, is now experiencing a new expansion even in the West. People gather to consume the cocoa drink and bring well-being to our spiritual and emotional lives. There is much to say, but let's leave this exploration to each of us personally.

Cocoa mass is also widely used in chocolate making to create chocolate coatings on desserts, ganache, creams, and pralines, but it can also be used as a substitute for chocolate in any type of dessert that requires it.

How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao?

Normally, if you participate in a cacao ceremony, the facilitator will explain how to prepare it, but we will give you a preview. Generally, the ceremonial grade cocoa is prepared by dissolving the mass in water. The proportions may vary, but usually, the intake of cocoa mass should not exceed 30-40g per day. It is dissolved in half a glass of water. To be taken in the morning as a powerful stimulant and aphrodisiac.

To prepare a cup of ceremonial cacao at home to feel the energy of the plant, use 10-15g, equivalent to 5-6 squares, dissolve in hot water and stir everything with a whisk or with a chasen for Matcha. It can be flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, chili, and sweetened with honey or agave syrup.

Where to Buy Cocoa Mass?

If you are wondering 'where can I find cocoa mass?' to try experimenting with recipes that include this particular ingredient, you can buy it in our online shop in pure quality squares. The cocoa mass for sale online at Terza Luna is a carefully selected product, with the dedication and attention to the best products that distinguish us, to offer you an ingredient with important properties, a silky and unmistakable texture.

Organic ceremonial cacao is part of the online Healthy Mood line by Terza Luna and is sold in 100g packages.

Sources: 

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6950163/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30050084/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32314320/