DUE TO SUPPLY LIMITATIONS, 1LB AND 1/2LB PACKAGES ARE LIMITED TO 5 PER CUSTOMER. A SOUL LIFT CACAO EXCLUSIVE… Betena is our first-ever cacao from Costa Rica! It’s grown in Ará, which is the local indigenous name for the southern area of the country, home to the BriBri and Cabecar peoples. Cacao is intimately woven into their history and Cosmovision, which is related to, but distinct from, other indigenous spiritual beliefs in Latin America. "Betena" is their word for "cheers," and they say it before enjoying a cup of cacao together! Profile: Floral aroma, notes of menthol, fluctuating bitterness. There are no machines used in the preparation of this cacao, making it a "top shelf" option. WHY IS THE PRICE DIFFERENT? For years, the true value of ceremonial cacao has been artificially suppressed. Black market resales and factory-made imitations flooded the market, driving down prices and undermining the indigenous communities who have carried cacao’s sacred traditions forward. In the past we tried to match those prices, but as a legal food business trying to maintain our high ethics, we barely covered our operational costs. Soul Lift Cacao is proud to lead a historic correction by restoring ceremonial cacao to its rightful worth. This new pricing honors the true labor, lineage, and spirit behind every seed — and helps protect the future of this sacred medicine by ensuring that Soul Lift Cacao can keep serving you and the mission. Read more on our Blog. *Our labels and branding are approved by the producers, and we have their consent to share the cacao for the betterment of humanity.* *amounts are per 1oz of cacao paste Cacao has been considered sacred in Mesoamerica for thousands of years, long before the chocolate industry altered the original treasure. It has numerous superfood benefits, and can also deepen introspective practices like yoga and meditation. Every purchase of this cacao supports indigenous people through ethical direct trade, and helps them preserve their spiritual traditions and values. For more info about us and our partners, visit our Sources page. DIRECTIONS To make a drink of ceremonial cacao, finely chop the cacao. Measure 1/4 cup ground cacao and 6-8 oz of hot water (steaming but not boiling). Mix with a blender (with caution!), handheld frother, or other agitator to fully melt the cacao. Optional: Add a dash of cayenne pepper and natural sweetener to taste. Enjoy! Cacao can also be added to smoothies, oatmeal, ice cream, and other foods.