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!
Services
Research & Recipe Development, Creative Direction, Photography, Editorial Design
In Collaboration with
Puchero.
Coffee and Chocolate
Quality Roasters, Spain
ABOUT PUCHERO
“At Puchero we roast beans that have been harvested and dried on the farm by small-scale producers to make bars of craft chocolate.”
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.”
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.
We condensed all this information and recipes in a beautifully designed and easy-to-read ebook that you can buy here.
We condensed all this information and recipes in a beautifully designed and easy-to-read ebook that you can buy here.
THE EBOOK
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 combination of coffee and sugar will increase your attention and performance, while the spices will help improve your memory.
A “dirty chai” (chai + coffee) variation, in which black tea is substituted for cacao husk tea, taking advantage of the antioxidant benefits for the brain of cacao and spices. Together with these, coffee and a touch of brown sugar ensure several hours of energy and concentration.
BRAIN BREW
The combination of coffee and sugar will increase your attention and performance, while the spices will help improve your memory.
A “dirty chai” (chai + coffee) variation, in which black tea is substituted for cacao husk tea, taking advantage of the antioxidant benefits for the brain of cacao and spices. Together with these, coffee and a touch of brown sugar ensure several hours of energy and concentration.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY
We also took several promotional pictures of
their products for their website and social media channels
NEXT PROJECT