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The Cacao Journey
It all starts with our trilosophy: wellness, equity, and sustainability. These three values are a reflection of the immense merit that we, Blue Stripes, find in the relationship between humans and land. This trilosophy has led us to connect with the core of the cacao fruit, and heal the industry from its roots.
Following these values has allowed us to flourish, and provided us with the tools and knowledge that we needed in order to join our farmers, and find a better way. At Blue Stripes, we seek an honest relationship with individual farmers, all of whom are located in Ecuador -- where small farm owners are responsible for 90% of the cacao production line.
Our cacao fruits are handpicked by local experts who know the nature of this superfood. The separation and careful processing of our cacao is led by individuals who are skilled and knowledgeable. From seeding, to harvesting, and processing -- we let the land’s wisdom and gentle human care lead the way.
Ready to fall in love with cacao?
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Fall in Love with Cacao
The cacao bean is one of the richest and most nutrient-dense plants currently known. Like other superfoods, the cacao fruit is ripe with vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, and more beneficial nutrients. So what is it that made us fall in love with this specific plant?
Well, some would say that its incredible taste and great versatility make this fruit so special, while others may claim cacao products, such as chocolate, are ideal for showing affection. At Blue Stripes, we decided to go deeper. We explored the science of cacao all the way to its molecular level, and found a prominent explanation for our question: Oxytocin.
Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, is released in our bodies throughout many different moments in our lives. It is known for having a positive impact on our nervous system and has been found to be a factor in the warm and familiar feeling of falling in love. Moreover, it is known to awaken the body, sharpen focus, elongate concentration, and lower the intensity of sugar cravings.
When zeroing in on the molecular level of the cacao bean, we have also found that the consumption of cacao products releases higher levels of serotonin, which is the hormone responsible for making us feel good and joyful. It’s not by chance, but by nature, that we fall in love with cacao.
Ready to fall in love with cacao?
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Good as Gold
The Cacao fruit originates in Central America, where it has long been considered one of the most valuable natural resources for thousands of years. Various cultures and traditions consider the cacao fruit “food of the Gods”, which is also the source of the cacao’s botanical name: Theobroma Cacao.
For many years, different tribes in Central America have used the cacao fruit as a healing plant, and used it to treat various illnesses. In fact, cacao beans were considered so valuable that they were used as currency, equivalent to gold.
At Blue Stripes, we aim to make use of the whole cacao fruit, and bring it back to its old glory in a contemporary way. We're seeing a wide and growing trend of unsustainable consumption and utilization of this magnificent fruit. The various processes and added ingredients responsible for the production of chocolate, for example, deplete the majority of the nutrients and vitamins embedded in the cacao. It is through our sustainable approach and equitable relationships with our farmers, that we are able to bring the valuable and sumptuous cacao to you. Because as we see it, it's pure gold.
Ready to fall in love with cacao?
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What’s Blue Stripes Urban Cacao?
Blue Stripes is disrupting the cacao industry by harnessing the natural powers of the whole cacao - shell, fruit and beans - to maximize its superfood benefits and promote physical, mental and emotional wellness.
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