Please note: Your cacao is still very much potent and absolutely safe to consume. It’s just gone through a little seasonal transformation. Most ceremonial-grade cacao is traditionally sold in solid blocks. At Ascend, we take the extra step of chopping our stone-ground cacao paste into granules to make daily preparation more convenient. However, because we don’t use any additives or stabilizers, exposure to heat during shipping can cause the granules to melt and re-solidify into a block, just like traditional ceremonial cacao. This is a natural part of working with pure, unprocessed cacao and is nothing to worry about. Could we ship it in insulated boxes with ice packs? Sure. But it would increase your order cost by $25+ and add extra waste. Follow the steps below to bring it back to granular form!

STEP 1: FREEZE IT - If your cacao feels melted, place the unopened bag in the freezer right away until it becomes completely solid and dry again.

STEP 2: CHOP IT UP - Once your cacao is fully hardened, it’s time to bring it back to granules. You have two options: #1 Use a sharp knife and cutting board to chop it into small chunks. #2 Use a completely dry food processor to return it back to it's granular form. Pulse in short bursts and do not over-blend, as the motor’s heat can melt the cacao again.

STEP 3: STORE IT - Transfer your granulated cacao into an airtight container or back into the original bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place for daily use.

Mush love,
Jack and Tay (founders)