A Different Kind of Cacao Story: Discovering Lavado Cacao from Mexico
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Recently, I spoke with Shanour from The Heart of Cacao in Amsterdam, about their newest cacao discovery: Lavado cacao from Mexico. Check the video here, or read the story here below:
What makes Lavado cacao different?
The word Lavado literally means “washed.” Unlike most cacao used for chocolate or ceremonial drinks, these cacao beans do not go through fermentation. Instead, the beans are gently washed and dried after harvesting.
This process creates a very different cacao experience.
Because the beans are not fermented, more of the cacao’s natural compounds remain intact, including flavonoids and antioxidants. The flavour profile is often softer, fresher, lighter, and more botanical compared to the deeper, more intense notes of fermented cacao.
For people who are sensitive to strong cacao or simply curious to explore a different side of cacao, Lavado offers something unique!
Origin: Soconusco & Oaxaca
The Lavado cacao used for this cacao drink comes from several farmers in Soconusco, Mexico.
The cacao is grown at 300–500 meters above sea level. This low altitude, combined with the criollo component of the cacao, results in a profile with very low bitterness and astringency. Instead, woody and citrusy notes are more present. In Oaxaca, this type of cacao is traditionally highly valued for making drinking chocolate and complex moles.
Another part of the lavado cacao used by The Heart of Cacao comes from Oaxaca, where the cacao is grown at higher altitudes by the Chinantec indigenous community. Cacao is sourced from Dionicia and other Chinantec women living in San Felipe de LeĂłn. This Oaxaca lavado tends to produce a darker chocolate profile and is often classified as either trinitario or criollo. It is also one of the scarcest origins used.
What does “ceremonial cacao” really mean?
During our conversation, Shanour shared a perspective that felt refreshing and grounding.
For him, ceremonial cacao does not require mysticism, performance, or complicated rituals.
It is simply about intention.
Taking a moment for yourself.Slowing down.Checking in with how you feel.Creating a small ritual in your own way.
That could be with cacao, but just as easily with tea or even a glass of water.
The ritual is personal.
Sit down, pause for a moment, set an intention, and enjoy.
From bean to drink: cacao made by hand
What also makes The Heart of Cacao stand out is the transparency.
The cacao comes from close relationships with farmers, cooperatives, and social enterprises. All cacao is single origin and grown in biodiverse environments with respect for both people and nature.
And perhaps most beautifully: every step of the process is done by hand.
From selecting the beans to crafting the final cacao block, every bean literally passes through Shanour’s hands.
In a world of mass production, that level of care feels rare!
Discover Lavado cacao
Lavado ceremonial-grade cacao from Mexico offers a different way to experience cacao: pure, intentional, and close to its natural origin.
Whether you drink cacao daily or are simply curious to explore something new, this cacao invites you to slow down and create a small moment for yourself.
Your ritual, your way 🤎
