Cacao is the new coffee

No I'm kidding, I'm still very much a coffee drinker. But did you know that choosing a hot cup of cacao has many health benefits? Keep reading and learn more about where it comes from, what ceremonial cacao is and good recipes.

Something sacred.

Making your cup of 'hot drink' in the morning is a great ritual. Every little step, while still feeling a little sleepy and fuzzy from your deep sleep. Your mind is not quite 'on' yet and you feel present. To stay in this vibe, you could swop making a cup of coffee to a cup of cacao. 

Cacao VS Coffee 

Cacao is a heart opener. Cacao brings connection, clarity and a soft heart and joy. Compared to coffee which activates your mind and body and with a sip too many you become jittery and anxious.  Cacao doesn't let you crash. 

The process of cacao

Ceremonial Cacao

I'm not talking about using chocolate to make a hot drink. We're talking about minimal processed cacao that's made from whole cacao beans. It's grinded and still has the amazing natural fats and nutrients (Like magnesium, iron and antioxidants). You can find this kind of cacao in an (online) health food store, or if you live in the tropics: ask the locals for indigenous communities who might grow cacao. 

When to drink cacao

My recommendation is to drink it before 12. If you drink too much, you could compromise your sleep at night. But this is for everyone different. Try a cup and be very present with your state of mind, heart and body. Be curious about how it feels!

Recipe for 1 cup of cacao

• Add 1 cup of water in a pan

• Add 1 tea spoon (or more to your liking) of ceremonial cacao

• Add spices: a little cinnamon, cardamom, 

• grate a little bit of ginger and boil this for a minute or 2 with the rest of the ingredients in the pot

• add a sweetener of choice (I like cane sugar or honey)

Check out Surf & Ko if you visit Costa Rica.