Peruvian Criollo Cacao
Discover the Magic of Ceremonial Grade Cacao from PERU
This Cacao is a Criollo variety. Criollo, the “prince of cacao,” is a rare and highly sought-after cacao variety that has captured the hearts of cacao lovers across the world.
Our suppliers work directly with Asháninka growers who make up one of the largest Indigenous groups in the Amazon rainforest. These forest guardians have tended cacao orchards for generations as part of their traditional way of life.
This Cacao comes from the Central Highlands of Peru, where growers have long sustained their communities through harmonious relationships with the forest. Their wisdom is woven into the very fabric of this cacao, and we are honoured to collaborate with these communities in preserving their cultural, economic, and spiritual sovereignty
The Rich History of the Asháninka tribe
The Asháninka are one of the largest Indigenous groups in the Amazon rainforest, primarily residing in Peru and the border regions of Brazil.
Their history stretches back thousands of years, long before European colonisation.
Traditionally semi-nomadic, the Asháninka people relied on hunting, fishing, and shifting agriculture to sustain themselves within the rich biodiversity of the Amazon. Their deep connection to the land is evident in their spiritual practices, where they view themselves as stewards of the forest, living in harmony with nature.
During the colonial period, the Asháninka suffered greatly under the influence of Spanish rule.
Missions were established, which attempted to convert them to Christianity, disrupting their way of life. In the late 19th century, the rubber boom brought further devastation as the Asháninka were enslaved or forced into labour camps to extract rubber.
During this period, they were victims of unspeakable violence and a massive reduction of their population, which led many to flee deep into the jungle to escape persecution.
Despite these staggering challenges, the Asháninka have worked diligently to preserve their lands and culture. They have gained legal recognition of significant portions of their ancestral territories, although illegal logging, mining, and narcotrafficking continue to pose major threats. The Asháninka have responded by organising community-based conservation projects, reforesting their lands, and advocating for their rights on both national and international stages.
Their spirituality is deeply connected to the forest, particularly through the use of sacred plants like ayahuasca, tobacco, coca and cacao.
The Asháninka communities we partner with have pioneered sustainable cacao cultivation as the first all indigenous co-operative in Peru, using their regenerative farming knowledge as a means to preserve their traditional ways of life and combat environmental destruction .
The Energy of this Cacao
The flavour of this Cacao is a more intense flavour than our Ecuador Cacao giving off notes of nuts, caramel, fruit, and a subtle floral aroma.
The energy carried through this Cacao is sharper and more intense in how it brings about awareness and physical energy. At a daily dose it lifts you up energetically and brings a more ‘inward’ energy making it perfect for being more in flow with what the day brings and enjoying your own energy.
At a ceremonial dose it takes you on a much deeper inward journey, focussed on the higher chakras but particularly the heart. She weaves through your self belief systems, judgements on yourself and others, authentic expression, grief and trust issues. All while being the divine mother she is, holding and nurturing you through the ceremony but in a way where she is not intrusive. She likes you to know you are in charge of your reality, and that includes holding space for yourself.