Bringing back cacao's true value
Cacao Alchemy is a research and recipe development project in which we deep dived into the chemistry of chocolate and how it impacts the mind and the body. We developed a series of cacao-based recipes with different effects that, besides being super tasty, are beneficial for our well-being. For these recipes, along with other fascinating (and easy to find) ingredients, we used the amazing products made by Puchero, a Spanish bean-to-bar company. Our recipes will give you from energy boosts to higher libido and one of them will even make you have more vivid dreams and remember them!
About Puchero
For this project we had the pleasure of working with Paloma and Marco, founders of Puchero, an outstanding coffee and chocolate roaster. They select the beans from some of the most hidden corners of the Earth to bring them to their roaster in Valladolid to create one of the best and most expressive chocolates in Spain.
“At Puchero we roast beans that have been
harvested and dried on the farm by small-scale
producers to make bars of craft chocolate.”
We condensed all this information and recipes in a beautifully designed and easy-to-read ebook that you can buy here.
With this publication we wanted to bring back part of
the original symbolism of cacao, when its uses were
ritual and not recreational, and its many properties on
mental and physical health were revered
Nowadays, that same ingredient has turned into a simple industrially produced chocolate bar and with this project, our goal
was to educate and make consumers aware of the difference between cocoa and mass-produced “chocolate” as well as
offering alternatives for its consumption: a more responsible, quality product that’s good for our health and with a direct connection to its origins.
Recipe 01
BRAIN BREW
The proven anxiety-fighting properties of CBD
are enhanced by the powerful flavonoids found
in cocoa and the antioxidants in ginger.
In appearance a tonic based cocktail, but without all the downsides of alcohol.
A festive drink that will help you socialize and relax thanks to the properties of
ginger, cacao husk and CBD oil.
Recipe 02
LIQUID LUST
The intense flavor of chocolate will load your body
with oxytocin, putting you in the mood. Saffron, honey
and pistachio will take care of the rest.
A sensual drink packed with aphrodisiac ingredients that will tune you up and give you
energy for what’s coming next. You’ll thank us later.
Recipe 03
BLUES REMEDY
The soy milk base will help you fight against fatigue,
the spices will reduce your anxiety levels and the
chocolate will take care of your spirits.
Months of cold weather, lack of sleep and stressful workdays can turn even the most
chipper person into a bit of a grump. If the blues are starting to catch up with you,
this drink will help you beat fatigue and lift your mood.
Recipe 04
DREAM KNITTER
Maca and milk will help you fall asleep quickly.
Nutmeg, chocolate and peanut butter will give you
a night of intense dreaming.
The craziest recipe of all. A powerful combination of chocolate, maca powder
and peanut butter designed to enhance the dreaming experience with more
intense and vivid dreams. You’ve been warned!
Recipe 05
LA MARCHOSA
The proven anxiety-fighting properties of CBD
are enhanced by the powerful flavonoids found
in cocoa and the antioxidants in ginger.
In appearance a tonic based cocktail, but without all the downsides of alcohol.
A festive drink that will help you socialize and relax thanks to the properties of
ginger, cacao husk and CBD oil.
We also took several promotional pictures of
their products for their website and social media channels
their products for their website and social media channels
