Raw Cacao

What is the difference between raw cacao and cocoa?  Both cocoa and cacao come from the cacao bean. Cacao powder is raw and unsweetened which leaves the minerals intact in the raw cacao.  This makes this chocolate alternative a healthy option to get your chocolate fix!

Cocoa is made by a process where the cocoa bean is roasted and made into a powder. It still may have small amounts of cocoa butter present to enhance the flavor, thus adding unhealthy fat to the food.

Cacao is raw, does not have the cocoa butter, and therefore does not contain the unhealthy fats that cocoa contains.  It is processed at low heat settings to preserve the integrity of the raw nutrients.

Of course, buying raw organic cacao ensures you are getting the healthiest product with the most nutrients.   Eating foods raw has shown that you will get more of the valuable nutrients and enzymes in these raw foods.  And buying organic  means the cacao trees are not being sprayed with pesticides, and that is good for our earth!  A great place to purchase raw cacoa is The Raw Food World.

Chocolate and Cacao are associated with LOVE. It increases focus and alertness and contains nutrients to keep you HAPPY. It also has theobromine in it which is a stimulant like caffeine, however non-addictive and gentler. It is quite energizing.  

Cacao contains a naturally rich supply of antioxidants and is a good source of dietary fiber.  It is one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium and contains iron, flavanols and polyphenols.

Natures Chocolate Chips

Cacao nibs. Tiny little pieces of organic, raw cacao. Because they are raw and pure..they have a bitter taste, and typically need a sweetener to make them more palpable.  Because of this they are usually put into recipes, instead of eating alone.  They are spetacularly yummy this way!

How to Use Cacao

Organic raw cacao powder and raw cacao nibs can be used in countless ways.  Add to smoothies (I have a to die for smoothie recipe at the bottom of this page) and raw desserts such as brownies and cookies.  It can be used in raw sauces and spreads.

For those that drink tea, you can ground the raw cacao into a powder and make into a tea or beverage to use as a healthy alternative to coffee or simply as a drink.  Chocolate lovers will love it!

For a delicious raw cacao smoothie recipe, click here.

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