about ceremonial cacao
The science
of cacao.
Ceremonial cacao has a long history of being prepared and shared within cultural traditions, creative practices and community gatherings.
Beyond its history, cacao also has a distinctive natural composition. Made using the whole cacao bean, it contains cocoa solids, cocoa butter and a range of naturally occurring minerals and plant compounds.
At I AM BEING, we believe where cacao comes from matters just as much as how it is made.
Because not all cacao is created equally.
our cacao
What ceremonial cacao
means to us.
For us, ceremonial cacao begins with pure, whole cacao paste.
The cocoa solids and naturally occurring cocoa butter remain together, without added sugar, dairy or unnecessary flavourings. Nothing unnecessary is added and, most importantly, nothing is taken away.
But it is also about where the cacao comes from and how it is made. From the trees it grows on to the way it is harvested, fermented, roasted and refined, every stage shapes the final cup.
what's inside
Four things to know
about cacao.
A Different Kind Of Cup
Coffee is known for its caffeine. Cacao naturally contains theobromine, alongside some caffeine, giving it a very different composition and drinking experience.
The two are not direct substitutes, but many people enjoy ceremonial cacao as a slower alternative to their usual coffee.
Not necessarily better. Simply different.
Naturally Occurring Minerals
Cacao naturally contains minerals including magnesium and iron. Magnesium contributes to a number of normal functions within the body, while iron plays an important role in its normal day-to-day functioning.
Cocoa Solids & Cocoa Butter
Cocoa solids give ceremonial cacao its depth, intensity and naturally complex flavour. The cocoa butter creates its smooth texture and rich, velvety finish.
Keeping them together is what gives whole ceremonial cacao its distinctive character.
Naturally Occurring Plant Compounds
Cacao contains naturally occurring polyphenols, including flavanols, alongside compounds such as theobromine. The cacao variety, where it is grown and how it is fermented, roasted and refined all shape the final composition, flavour and quality of the cup.
Which is why origin and process matter so much.
flores island, indonesia
Why Origin
Matters
I AM BEING ceremonial cacao is handmade on Flores Island, Indonesia, a remote volcanic island where large-scale monoculture never took over.
Cacao is a delicate plant that grows in tropical regions around the equator, where warmth, humidity, rainfall and the right soil conditions allow it to thrive.
Our cacao grows within biodiverse forest systems amongst vanilla, banana, clove, nutmeg and native jungle canopy. It is rooted in mineral-rich volcanic soil and grown without synthetic fertilisers.
The farms we work with still grow some of the island's oldest cacao trees and legacy clones, varieties that were never replaced by industrial, high-yield hybrids.
Our direct relationship at origin gives us traceability back to the farm, allowing us to support thoughtful growing practices and long-term quality.
how it's made
Tree To Cup
Many cacao brands buy dried beans and process them elsewhere.
We begin with the tree.
Every stage, from harvesting and fermentation through to drying, roasting and refinement, is carefully overseen at origin.
Harvest
Only ripe pods are hand-selected, helping to protect the quality and flavour of every batch from the very beginning.
Fermentation
The beans are carefully fermented using traditional banana-leaf methods and closely monitored turning cycles to develop balance, depth and clarity of flavour.
Drying
The beans are slowly dried within custom-built drying houses, preparing them for roasting while protecting the quality of the cacao.
Roasting
Each batch is carefully hand-roasted to bring out its softer fruit notes and natural complexity, allowing the character of every harvest to come through.
Refinement
Finally, the cacao is refined to create an exceptionally smooth texture and a cup that feels silky, rich and deeply comforting.
the experience
How It Feels
A cup of ceremonial cacao begins before the first sip.
Warm in your hands, with a soft, grounding aroma. Rich and smooth, with notes of vanilla, gentle spice and earthy warmth.
Made for a slower kind of moment. In the morning before the day begins, during a quiet afternoon pause or shared with others.
Not complicated. Not rushed.
Just a simple daily ritual centred around presence, connection and being together.