Cacao 🤎

Who hasn't received chocolate in one form or another on Valentines days? Thanks to well placed endcaps and holiday marketing, it's highly likely that you've been gifted a box (or two) of that sweet chocolate. While those treats in particular aren't beaming with health benefits - there's a chocolate product that is!

Many people assume that all chocolate is the same... but there's actually some important differences. Cocoa powder, like the beloved Hershey's container in your grandmother's pantry & the base for most chocolate bars, isn't the same as raw Cacao powder.

(Yes, you can substitute cacao powder for cocoa powder 1:1 in recipes)

Let's learn the difference -

Cacao powder: the minimally processed product of the Cacao bean. This powder contains beneficial properties & is more bitter.

Cocoa powder: the product of highly processing cacao, lacking nutritional value. This powder contains more sugar, making it sweeter and more desirable for bakers.

Sooo, what are these health supporting properties hiding inside real Cacao you ask?

• Heart health: Cacao with a high Polyphenol (antioxidants) content can help lower cholesterol levels and improve circulation.

  
  

• Brain health: Some studies show a slight improvement in cognitive function when products high in flavonoids were consumed regularly. Cacao has also been shown to improve the state of one's mood.

• Micro nutrients: Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin C help support the body's natural functions.

Skip the heart shaped chocolates filled with sugar and give your lover a treat made with real Cacao instead!!

Products I recommend:

• Non-alkalized cacao powder (retains more flavonoids)

• cacao nibs

• Dark chocolate bars (70% or higher for most benefits)

  - 70% bar , 85% bar, 100% bar

• Cacao infused honey

Related shop offerings:

• "instant" Hot Cacao mix

• Cacao & mint tea

• Cacao infused body soap

Related Patreon recipes:

• hot cacao guide

• coconut sugar cacao muffins

• maple syrup cacao muffins

• cacao oatmeal bars