Knowledge, origins and ways to enjoy macambo
Discover macambo.
Understand its many names, get to know macambo and find new ways to enjoy it, with insights from Sebastian Freidank and the GUYA channel.
Macambo, pataxte and jaguar cacao: what are they?
What is macambo? Discover Theobroma bicolor, the names pataxte and jaguar cacao, and how it differs from ordinary cacao.
↗Learn moreWhite cacao: macambo and cacao blanco explained
White cacao, cacao blanco or macambo? Find out what Jungle-Harvest offers and what to look for when buying.
↗Learn moreHow to eat and use macambo – simple ideas
Enjoy Macambo Natural straight from the pack or as a topping: easy ideas for this Ecuadorian snack with nutty, buttery notes.
↗OriginsChakras and the Chakra Amazonia certificate
How does macambo grow in a forest garden? Join a tour in Ecuador and learn what the Sello Chakra Amazónica means.
↗RecipesMacambo recipes: roast, refine and enjoy
Simple guides for pan, oven and honey – with temperature, time and ideas.
↗Macambo is the seed of Theobroma bicolor, a close relative of the cacao tree. In Ecuador it is also called pataxte or jaguar cacao. It tastes mild, nutty and slightly sweet, which makes it a practical snack and a versatile ingredient for breakfast, desserts and savoury dishes.
Where our macambo comes from
Our macambo grows in small farms of Kichwa communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The seeds are harvested by hand and gently dehydrated at around 60 °C for 24 to 48 hours. This preserves the natural flavour and makes the seeds ready to eat.
What macambo tastes like
Dehydrated macambo is crunchy and mild. It has a nutty aroma, a gently sweet note and a light bitterness that reminds you of cacao. It is neither spicy nor overly sweet, so it pairs well with fruit, porridge, yoghurt and chocolate.
How to eat our macambo
The easiest way is straight from the bag. Our macambo is already dehydrated and ready to eat, so there is no need to roast or grind it first. If you want to vary the flavour, you can roast, grind or season it with salt, chilli or honey. These are options, not requirements. You can also add macambo to smoothies, muesli, baking or savoury dishes.
Storage
Keep macambo in a dry, dark place and in an airtight bag. Reseal the bag after opening so the seeds stay crunchy.
Buying and shipping
You can buy macambo in the Jungle-Harvest shop in sizes of 200 g, 500 g, 1 kg and 10 kg. We ship from Germany, and for wholesale orders we will help you choose the right quantity and delivery.
Why choose macambo
Macambo is versatile: it works as a snack on its own, as a topping for breakfast and as an ingredient in desserts. Its flavour is mild, so it suits both children and adults. Unlike many salty snacks it contains no artificial additives, and its natural crunch comes from gentle drying rather than high-temperature roasting.
When you buy from us you support small farms in Ecuador and get a product that keeps for a long time without refrigeration. Macambo is also a good choice for anyone who wants more variety in everyday meals and wants to discover a less common cacao species.
Is macambo suitable for children?
Macambo is hard and crunchy, so chop or soak it for small children. If a child has a nut or seed allergy, ask a doctor before giving it.
Frequently asked questions
Is macambo the same as white cacao?
People often call macambo white cacao, but botanically it is a separate species, Theobroma bicolor. It should not be confused with white chocolate.
Do I have to roast macambo before eating it?
No. Our macambo is dehydrated and ready to eat. Roasting is optional and only used to intensify the flavour.
Is macambo healthy?
It provides plant fats, fibre and minerals. As with all seeds, enjoy it in moderation as part of a varied diet.
Does macambo contain caffeine?
Macambo is not regular coffee or cacao and does not contain caffeine in amounts typical for coffee. If you have specific health concerns, please ask a doctor.
How long does macambo keep?
In a dry, airtight package it stays fresh for many months. Reseal the bag after opening.
Read next
Learn the difference between white cacao and white chocolate and come back to the Jungle-Harvest home page. You can also read more on the German about macambo page.