If ever an aroma could be said to impart a sense of comfort and well-being, our organic Cocoa Absolute surely is one! The luscious, enticing aroma is hard to resist; it is highly recommended for chocolate lovers as the aroma is like that of fine dark chocolate. Cocoa Absolute seems ideally suited for environmental fragrance as well as scenting decadent soaps and candles – and for those who just can’t get enough of that delicious smell! Naturally derived organic ethanol is the only solvent used for extraction (no hexane).

The history of cocoa is fraught with conflict. By means of ruthless and unconscionable acts on indigenous populations, the 15th century Spanish explorer, Christopher Columbus, brought (among many other looted goods) cocoa beans from Central America to Europe where it eventually became highly popular.[1] But chemical analysis of residues found in pottery vessels from Puerto Escondido – what is now Honduras – confirms the usage of cocoa to before 1,000 BCE![2] For centuries the Maya of the Americas have revered cocoa for its considerable properties and have used it in ceremonial and sacred practices. In 1753, the naturalist Linnaeus appropriately dubbed the cocoa tree its botanical name Theobroma cacao – Food of the Gods.

The beans' distinctive aroma is enhanced by roasting, which is the first process carried out in the production of cocoa aromatics. The roasted beans are then pressed to separate the cocoa butter from the powder, which is the aromatic, defatted part used in extraction. Interestingly, there are over 600 volatile aromatic compounds that comprise the heavenly aroma of chocolate. When using Cocoa Absolute, it is impossible to forget the early origins of this universally beloved aroma – one that is deeply rooted in our psyches from one of the most body/soul-nourishing plants on earth.

PLEASE NOTE: Cocoa Absolute contains a small amount of caffeine[3], if highly sensitive or allergic to caffeine, we recommend avoiding this oil. Soluble in alcohol, partially soluble in fixed (vegetal) oils; please see Blending Suggestions.

Naturally derived organic ethanol is the only solvent used for extraction (no hexane).