Ceremonial Cacao

Dec 12

At our gallery, café, and store, we inspire new ways of thinking and living by showcasing artists, makers, and brands dedicated to creativity, community and sustainability. While we all appreciate a good cup of coffee, we know that for some, it can lead to feelings of anxiety or jitters. That's why we're excited to offer Leeway Tools ‘ Ceremonial Cacao with Lion’s Mane and L-Theanine—a soothing and focus-enhancing blend with a heart-warming, rich taste. Perfect on those cold winter days, this ceremonial cacao can be ordered in our café or purchased in our store to make at home.

What is Ceremonial Cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is pure cacao made to retain its natural nutrients, energetic properties, and flavors. Sourced directly from sustainable small-scale farmers in Guatemala, this cacao connects consumers to the ancient heritage of the Mayan and Aztec culture. The sourcing ensures ethical practices and a deep respect for the land. Unlike the typical processed cacao found in everyday chocolate products, ceremonial cacao is minimally processed, preserving the natural compounds and energetic properties.

Why We Choose Leeway Tools’ Ceremonial Cacao

Unique, Healthy Blend

Leeway Tools emphasizes sustainability and innovation in their process. Their cacao is stone-ground at low temperatures to preserve its nutritional integrity. The cacao is blended with Lion’s Mane and L-Theanine to offer a unique, functional beverage for modern lifestyles.

Direct Trade

Child labor, corruption, extortion, and destructive mono-crop agriculture are everyday business in order to stock cheap chocolate products in our supermarkets. We believe that the only ethical way to work with cacao is by purchasing it in a direct trade construction. Direct trade means the cacao is bought straight from the farmers, cutting out middlemen, making the supply chain simpler and more transparent. This approach goes beyond just buying and selling. It's about building fair relationships with farmers and help them grow financially stable. It also promotes good practices in growing and processing cacao, through permaculture and agro forestry. The goal is to support the well-being of farmers, their communities, and the environment.

Health Benefits of Leeway Tools’ Blend

1. Nutritional Excellence of Ceremonial Cacao:
Cacao is a powerful source of essential minerals, such as magnesium, iron, and calcium, along with natural fats and protein. It also contains compounds like theobromine, a mild stimulant, and serotonin precursors that is connected to enhanced mood. Cacao can support heart health, and fight oxidative stress. Its natural compounds, like flavonoids, also amplify the bioavailability of Lion’s Mane’s active ingredients.

2. Cognitive and Mood Enhancement:
The blend incorporates Lion’s Mane Mushroom (read more here), known for its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports neuron growth and repair. This can enhance focus, memory, and overall brain function, making it an excellent nootropic choice. Studies also indicate Lion’s Mane can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression through its impact on the nervous system.

3. Calming Alertness with L-Theanine:
Derived from green tea, L-Theanine complements cacao’s natural stimulants. It may promote relaxation without drowsiness, providing a focused, yet calm mind.

How to Enjoy It

Leeway Tools’ ceremonial cacao can be enjoyed as:

Daily Ritual: Brew it with hot water or milk for a smooth, rich drink.
In the Café: Order a cup of delicious Ceremonial Cacao at the café at Cloud.
Creative Exploration: Use it as a base for smoothies, desserts or your own creations.

About Leeway Tools

Leeway Tools is an entrepreneurial project rooted in cultural research that began in 2020 through a collaboration between filmmaker Mathys_ideas and cultural strategist Stef Spijkermans. On their podcast ‘Follow The Mushroom’ Matthijs and Stef have conversations with researchers, philosophers, and artists exploring developments in the world of mushrooms. In November we featured an episode together, where we talked about the Fundamental Fungi Exhibition and Cloud’s relationship to mushrooms.

Leeway Tools addresses the commodification of psychedelics and spiritual practices under capitalism by fostering a space where ownership boundaries blur, inspired by the interconnected nature of mycelial networks. Individual contributions merge into a greater whole, offering different perspectives on human performance and well-being.

Leeway Tools’ products are created for human performance and understanding, blending expertise in food production, mind-expanding substances, and performance-driven nutrition. Have a look at their amazing products here. Prioritising social cohesion over profit, customers gain access to a private collective with gatherings, shared experiences and mushroom cultivation.

Closing Thought

Whether you’re seeking a mindful daily ritual or a powerful drink to fuel your day, this ceremonial cacao offers a meaningful way to nourish body, mind and soul for all beings involved in the process.

To learn more about the products visit Leeway Tools or follow them on Instagram: @leeway.tools.