About Magic Tree Chocolate
My journey into the world of premium drinking chocolate began sixteen years ago in a small Parisian café, where my husband – a seasoned world traveler – introduced me to what would become my life's passion. That first sip of authentic European drinking chocolate was a revelation that would send me on a quest across continents to rediscover chocolate's original, sacred form.
Since that transformative moment in Paris, I've dedicated myself to understanding the art and science of true chocolate. My travels have taken me through the chocolate capitals of Europe – from the artisan workshops of Spain to the historic chocolateries of France and Portugal – and deep into the heart of chocolate's birthplace in Mexico, where I've learned from traditional cacao keepers who still honor ancient Mesoamerican practices. Across the United States and Canada, I've sought out master chocolate makers, spending hands-on time in renowned workshops in Portland and San Francisco, learning the delicate craft of transforming sacred cacao into liquid gold.
Through years of research and tasting, I've come to understand what chocolate critics worldwide now recognize: that the finest drinking chocolate isn't just a beverage – it's medicine, ritual, and pure indulgence rolled into one. The Mayans and Aztecs knew this 4,000 years ago when they called cacao Theobroma – literally "food of the gods" – and consumed it as a sacred elixir enhanced with indigenous spices.
What breaks my heart is how the Industrial Revolution stripped chocolate of its soul. Mass production extracted the precious cocoa butter – chocolate's life force – leaving behind what I can only describe as "chocolate sawdust" in most commercial products. After studying the molecular structure of cacao and its profound effects on human health, I became determined to restore chocolate to its rightful place as both a healing food and a transcendent experience.
The Science of Sacred Chocolate
My research into cacao's therapeutic properties has revealed what ancient civilizations intuitively knew: this isn't just food, it's medicine. The flavonoids in high-quality dark chocolate support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. These same compounds enhance cognitive function and trigger the release of endorphins – nature's own mood elevators. Rich in essential minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese, premium cacao supports everything from blood sugar regulation to healthy cholesterol levels.
But here's the crucial difference: these benefits only exist in chocolate with high cocoa butter content and minimal processing. That's why our drinking chocolate maintains 22-24% cocoa butter – compared to the mere traces found in commercial cocoa powders.
Crafting the Magic Tree Experience
Drawing from traditional Mesoamerican recipes and my extensive travels, I've created four exceptional varieties that honor chocolate's heritage while satisfying the modern palate. From our Artisan Classic – smooth and deeply complex – to our tingly Aztec Spice blend that awakens every sense, each variety tells a story of the cultures that revered this sacred plant.
We source what chocolate connoisseurs consider the world's finest cacao, working exclusively with growers who understand that the cacao tree's narrow equatorial habitat – within just 20 degrees of the equator – produces beans of unparalleled quality. Every 3-ounce bag of our granulated treasure represents a commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and the health of both our customers and our planet.
The Magic Tree Legacy
Our company draws its name from two sources of wonder: the majestic 200-year-old oak that has watched over my backyard for two centuries, and the mysterious cacao tree itself – a plant so particular in its needs that it grows only in a narrow band around Earth's middle. Like that ancient sequoia I encountered in California, some reaching back 1,800 years, the cacao tree connects us to something timeless and profound.
I believe the most fascinating people are those who understand chocolate's true nature – not as mere candy, but as humanity's oldest luxury, a bridge between cultures, and a daily dose of healthy indulgence. Everyone has a chocolate story, whether from childhood memories or exotic travels, and I'm honored to be part of this global community of chocolate lovers.
The truth, as they say, is in the tasting.
Welcome to Magic Tree Premium Drinking Chocolate – where every cup is an authentic chocolate experience, a moment of mindful luxury, and a connection to 4,000 years of human wisdom.
— Liz Larin, Founder
P.S. When you hold a cup of Magic Tree drinking chocolate, you're not just enjoying a beverage – you're participating in one of humanity's oldest rituals, supporting sustainable agriculture, and treating your body to one of nature's most perfect foods. Here's to the magic that happens when ancient wisdom meets modern understanding.
