Questions and Answers
This section is the so-called FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), where you’ll find answers to the most common questions about Cacao (and more).
If you have any questions or concerns related to PlusCacao as a company, customer service, or any other issues, feel free to write to us at cacaolovers@pluscacao.com
We’ll be happy to address any matters that interest you!
Can we get smaller (or larger) blocks of Cacao? / Why is Cacao in such “unwieldy” blocks?
Cacao arrives to us in the form of a huge impressive block measuring 30x30x40cm. So far, Konrad, supported only by a chisel, hammer, and the strength of his own hands, had to divide this majestic block into smaller fragments, which we then carefully packed, both of us keeping your pleasure and satisfaction in mind!
Today, after five years, we have a machine constructed to suit our needs for “cracking” Cacao . However, it does not guarantee uniform pieces of Cacao with each fragmentation. Cacao solidifies in layers, so during the process of breaking it into smaller pieces, we can never predict what extraordinary shapes it will take on!
We are still discussing the concept of our own Cacao manufacture, where we will be able to work with pure beans, processing them according to our own discretion; maybe even into bars or balls? However, all of this is still in the realm of dreams and contemplation.
But I can offer some advice for unruly blocks: cutting Cacao with the chef’s knife has always proved to be an effective method, especially when preparing larger quantities of Cacao.
Remember that this effort is an integral part of the process, almost a Ceremony. In an era where everything happens quickly and often is fast/instant, it’s worth taking a moment to pause and contemplate this exceptional block of Cacao .
Cacao takes a whopping five years (!!!) to even bear fruit, and then requires immense energy from the people working on the plantation to ultimately find itself before you in the form of this majestic block. I believe the key to success lies in the right attitude: viewing this block of Cacao and the process of cutting it before preparation as an integral part of the entire ritual will certainly enhance your joy from the warm Cacao drink (even if you eventually find a tiny crumb to clean up on the floor).
After all, you’re preparing something extraordinary for yourself, and your approach is crucial to the final outcome 😊.
Therefore: the Cacao that ends up in your hands is exactly as it should be, because that’s its whimsical nature.
Which Tribes Does Your Cacao Come From?
Our Cacao comes from small, family-run farms located within various communities. The Cacao we offer is grown by people who have been cultivating Cacao trees for generations. It is their way of life and a means to uphold their ancestral traditions. We support both experienced growers and those just starting their small farms.
Growing crops is a demanding task, as seen in the efforts of orchardists who warm their trees during frosts or winemakers in France who protect their vines. In tropical regions, there are no frosts, but other threats can impact the harvest. Therefore, it is crucial for us to source beans from people in small communities, often organized into collectives (you can read more about Cacao collectives in the CocoVademecum section >>> [link]). By working together, farmers find it easier to afford organic certification, which enables them to operate in broader markets, such as the European Union.
Although we do not collaborate directly with specific tribes, we know that the people who grow the Cacao we offer do so with full dedication, love, and in accordance with the knowledge passed down from their ancestors. We are truly grateful to them for their hard work and commitment!