Off the beaten path in the Sierra Madres mountain range, a wild cacao hybrid has been growing uninterrupted for over 4,000 years. Here, indigenous farmers pay careful attention to cultivate these unique trees just like their ancestors before them, which means planting cacao among the local chile varietals, breadnut trees, and spices.

Alongside Original Beans, we support three indigenous communities in preserving tree genetics via ongoing research, community nurseries, and agroforestry design. These partnerships with farmers have also established agreements to safeguard over 1,200 hectares of rainforest, ensuring this ancient cacao’s legacy remains protected.