Where does cacao come from?
If you’ve ever stared at the supermarket shelf and wondered why cacao powder is way more expensive than cocoa powder, you are not alone. They may look like twins but are very different once processed! Think of cacao as the superfood version due to cold pressing unroasted beans, because cacao isn’t exposed to high heats the living enzymes are preserved retaining it’s nutritional value, unlike the cocoa version which is often processed with an alkalising agent (known as dutch-processing) to neutralise their natural acidity, making it more smoother, refined and milder, destroying a significant amount of antioxidants and nutrients.
Think of cacao as the raw, unfiltered, high vibrational, version
The cacao tree is a tropical evergreen native to south and central america, it has a rich history and believed to have been used as medicine for the aztecs and mayans, also serving as currency for trading and used as offerings to their gods.
The scientific name is theobroma cacao, greek for “food of the gods” It’s hard pods range in colour from vivid yellow to earthy red, and they hold large, fatty seeds. The cacao tree contains two edible parts, fruit and seeds which are harvested by hand and fermented for several days before being processed into either cacao paste, raw cacao, cacao powder, cacao butter or cacao nibs.
Key health benefits of choosing cacao?
Cacao and packed with good stuff! This heart centred powerhouse dates back centuries and contains over 300 beneficial compounds that supports wellness. It’s a natural mood booster that doesn’t spike then crash like her coffee counterpart. Packed with serotonin & phenylethylamine more commonly known as the love molecule which helps release dopamine and endorphins elevating excitement and leaving us feel all warm and content.
- High antioxidant content: Cacao is exceptionally rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids, which act as a powerful antioxidant. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, reducing stress and protecting cells from damage.
- Cardiovascular health:
It takes about 5 years to mature and can live up to 200 years!
Once you fully understand just how potent and packed full of nutrients cacao is….you won’t look back! We are all guilty of trying to save a few dollars here and there