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The Journal

Stories, insight & craft

Where cacao comes from, the people who grow it, and the culture that first drank it.

All stories 9Origin Stories 1Ethics 1Industry 0Culture 7
Est. 2021 · Kendal · Cumbria54° 19′ N 2° 44′ W
Kakaw

Chocolate with ancient origin.

The Journal

Stories of origin, ethics and culture.

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Notes from origin

Once a fortnight: new arrivals, slow recipes, a story from a producer. Never more.

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Culture5 min read

The Dark Side of Cacao: October, Halloween, and the Long Nights Ahead

Explore the darker history of cacao, from ancient rituals and Halloween traditions to autumn baking, rich hot chocolate and cosy evenings as the nights draw in.

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Culture1 September 20265 min read

How the Seasons Change the Way We Drink

Discover how the changing seasons influence what we drink, from lighter summer flavours to richer cacao in autumn, and why September is the perfect time to slow down and savour a good cup.

Culture31 July 20265 min read

The Things We Share Over a Cup

Discover how cacao has brought people together throughout history, creating space for conversation, connection and some of life's most memorable moments around a shared cup.

Culture30 June 20265 min read

Cacao and Wellbeing: The Quiet Benefits of Good Cacao

The second half of the year begins this month, and with it a fresh chance to turn plans into action for the rest of 2026. And for those of us who love chocolate, July holds…

Notes from origin

Once a fortnight: new arrivals, slow recipes, a story from a producer.

Never more.

Ethics31 May 20265 min read

The Future of Cacao: Why Craft, Ethics and Transparency Matter

June brings longer days, lighter evenings, and a little more space to notice what sits beneath the surface. The days are brighter now, and the pace of life seems to stretch…

Culture30 April 20264 min read

Tasting Cacao: Learning to Understand Flavour

There is a quiet shift in May, as spring begins to lean towards summer. The light lingers longer, mornings arrive more softly, and the air begins to carry a quiet warmth. After…

Culture14 February 20265 min read

Cacao & Renewal: A Ritual for the Quiet Season

The turn of the year arrives quietly. After the rush of December, the light is lower, the air is colder, and the pace of the world naturally slows. Yet modern culture often treats…

Origin Stories20 June 20253 min read

Delicious Journey Through the Origins of Chocolate

You are here because you like chocolate, right? Like, really love it, can't resist it, especially a good piece of chocolate? Don't feel bad. You're not the only one. But have you…

Culture19 June 20251 min read

For the Love of Chocolate ...

For most of human history, cacao was never considered a sweet treat. It wasn’t an afterthought, a comfort in a cup, or something chosen at random from a shelf. It was a substance…

In the kitchen

Looking for something to make? The recipes put every story to work: slow cups, iced cacao, the house method.

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