The Genetic Crisis of Cacao: Why the 'Original' is the Only Choice
Cacao is not created equal. Along with other commodity crops like corn, soy, and wheat, conventional cocoa has been relentlessly hybridized and selectively bred over the last 70 years. This intense focus on maximizing yield and pest resistance has resulted in a severe genetic narrowing—a far cry from the original wild species.

The Problem with Commercial Cocoa

Today’s commercial cocoa varieties bear little genetic resemblance to the ancient plant. While they are not commercially grown as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), their narrowed genetic base raises serious questions about their nutritional integrity and flavor complexity.

The stark truth is this: when we prioritize size and yield, we compromise quality. Wheat is often scrutinized for the level of modification it has undergone; cacao deserves the same critical attention. The concept of eating 'organic' is weakened when the fundamental genetic structure of the food has been so profoundly altered from nature's design.

Finding the True Cacao: Origin and Definition

The term "Criollo" is Spanish for "native," "local," or "original." Historically, Spanish colonizers used it to describe the fine-flavor cacao they first found in Central America, far from its homeland.

At the archaeological site of Montegrande, located in the Cajamarca region of Peru, the remains of a spiral temple were found, containing evidence of the world's oldest use of cacao, estimated to be 5,300 years old. According to archaeologist Quirino Olivera, who is leading the investigation, the spiral structure symbolically represents the cycle of life and death, taking the form of an anthropomorphic figure that evokes a woman in the process of childbirth.

The excavation team suggests that in the center of the temple were found the remains of a woman associated with cocoa, possibly a figure of great religious importance at the time. This discovery underscores the importance of Montegrande as a key ceremonial center in the cultural and spiritual history of the region.

The Treasure of Peruvian Wild Criollo
Peruvian wild Criollo cacao is the undisputed trace of the unmodified species. It is preserved and grown in a completely primitive, sustainable way by indigenous tribes, such as the famous Asháninka Indians, deep in the central Peruvian Amazon.
This cacao is uninteresting to large corporations because of its commercial drawbacks:
• It grows on small, low-bearing trees, often only one meter tall.
• It produces a small, irregularly shaped bean—the equivalent of a wild, heirloom apple.
Yet, its value is priceless. It has a divine, complex flavor and perfect fruity aroma nourished by hundreds of naturally composting fruits on the forest floor. This wild variety stands in stark contrast to the modern, high-yield hybrid trees, which grow up to 6 meters and produce 10–20 times the crop with much larger, more uniform fruit.

Power, Purity, and Wellness
The original, wild Criollo Cacao is an unsurpassed natural treasure.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: It is extremely rich in antioxidants like flavonols and polyphenols (with ORAC scores often exceeding $95,000$).
• Mood and Circulation: It contains high levels of theobromine, an alkaloid that gently stimulates the central nervous system, supports cardiovascular health by dilating blood vessels, and naturally elevates mood by stimulating dopamine and serotonin secretion.
• Cellular Support: The natural compounds in pure cacao are known to support the body’s innate healing processes and cellular health, aiding in functions like circulation and preventing issues like thrombosis.
• Natural Iron Source: When consumed daily, especially alongside supportive ingredients like maca, it is a powerful natural remedy for iron deficiency.

Taste the Difference. Support the Origin.
You now have a unique opportunity to experience the absolute purity and divine taste of original cacao, ethically sourced from its ancient home.
Beautiful pictures of large, uniform cacao beans can be seductive, but never be deceived: the true origin, the complex taste, and the unparalleled health effect of wild Criollo are what truly matter.