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Ka’kaw Chinimital is a Mayan collective formed by the union of Mayab’ native people of Paxil and Kayala in Guatemala.
The cacao travels from an ancient farm in Alta Verapaz which belongs to members of the Q’eqchi’ nation.
What is an ancient farm? During the times of the Conquista; the invasion of the Americas, Spaniards forebode the use of cacao to the Mayans. Criollo cacao farms were taken down and transformed into coffee farms and the Mayans were forced to harvest this new crop, more valuable in Europe. Luckily a few hidden farms survived thanks to the love and resistance of some Mayan people. Our cacao comes from one of these farms, and the trees are descendant of trees that were in this farm hundreds of years ago. In the process of plantations, the farmers still use rigorous steps of traditional farming that includes rituals and ceremonies to bless the land, the seeds, and the future tree to be. A tedious but rewarding process, beginning in the land from which it is grown the fertile land, symbiotically connected. Harvesting cacao is a key practice that is done in community, and in conjunction with the Mayan geo-cosmovision. For us the fermentation process is very important, and we must not jump this step for it is crucial to have the best final product. For Mayan people as a whole, fermentation is also very important and they treat this process with maximum respect using ancient knowledge that has been passed from generations. Then the cacao must be sun dried, roasted on a clay comal beneath open fire, then peeled and finely ground in a millstone by indigenous women and grandmothers. The youngest one will start breaking the bean into nibs with the stone, then the mother will take over and make it into a paste, the final touch to a perfect liquid will be done by the grandmother, the most knowledgeable and wisest. All utensils need to be thanked, wiped with alcohol and energies asked for permission to work with cacao while also energized by Mayan spiritual leaders. Neither metal nor machines are ever used in any of the processes, as it resists the spiritual energy. This has always been the traditional, ancestral way of preparing cacao for peak medicinal usefulness.
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This is what makes our criollo cacao extremely special and premium.
Since ancient times, the Mayans have highly regarded the sacred cacao. It's usage and practices once forbidden by the conquistadors fearful of the power it could hold, it has withstood the test of time, despite almost being driven to extinction. In pre-hispanic times, cacao was extremely valued by a select group known as the Pochtecas, after the word 'pocha', meaning cacao pod would spread throughout the entire continent of South America, it has since been used as gifts, offerings and the tree's flower for the sacred souls of above, especially during great celebrations that marked changes in a cycle showing gratitude for our existence. During the kotzij', a flower offering, it is customary to bring the best offering one has and for the Mayab' people it's their sacred cacao. Cacao was also used as a mediator between nations. People gathered with cacao, holding the power; still to this day. It creates understanding and keeps international peace as it was regarded as highly powerful heart medicine. The Texel of the community oversees the special cacao recipes used for different purposes and energies that correlate with the Cholq'ij' calendar. An incredible responsibility, the Texel is in charge to maintaining the proper process of working with the delicate cacao to achieve many intended purposes.
Our ancestors understood the value of cacao and its ever growing benefits. Full of antioxidants it shields our cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. It enhances cardiovascular health and cognitive function, the response of the body allows the crossing through the blood-brain barrier; excellent for stress and anxiety, thus promoting positive mental health and re connection with ourselves. Rich in magnesium and chromium, playing a part in 300 micro-cellular processes, sources exceptional nutrition. These are just a few examples of many nutritional profile and health benefits. Spiritually, it connects a person to their heart, the heart of Pachamama, your creative juices and to those around you.