Our cacao, which has been minimally processed and dried at low temperatures, is known for its healthful benefits. It is ground from raw whole beans harvested from the tropical plant Theobroma cacao. The powder has a rich flavor that is more subtle than its roasted counterpart, and can be added to smoothies, homemade energy bars, herbal beverages, and extracts.
Our cacao powder starts as raw whole beans carefully collected from the cacao fruit. The beans are washed and then dried using a forced air dehydrator. The dried, whole beans are then husked and processed into smaller pieces. These pieces are then cold pressed, resulting in the separation of cacao butter and a cacao cake. This cake is then further milled into this fine powder.
Cacao powder has a rich flavor that is more subtle in its nuances then its roasted counterpart. The aroma has a slight floral aspect balanced with deep chocolate undertones.
Cacao beans and nibs have a long and colorful history, beginning in Central and South America before 1500 BC. The entire cacao fruit was used medicinally by the Mayan, Olmec and Aztec civilizations. These early American peoples also enjoyed consuming chocolate as a beverage; each culture adding its own mix of spices and flavorings to the drink. After the Spanish conquest in the 1500's, cacao made its way to Europe and began to spread worldwide.
Theobroma cacao is a member of the Sterculiaceae family. Cacao is sometimes found in extract form. Cacao beans and nibs contain a number of beneficial constituents, but many of these constituents are destroyed or lessened when processed. Health practitioners recommend that anyone interested in eating cacao for its health benefits use unprocessed cacao beans and nibs rather than processed chocolate.
Precautions
Cacao bean contains caffeine and may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, occasionally, rapid heartbeat. Not recommended for use by children under the age of 18. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
