When many of us think of drinking cacao, we think of cocoa powder, or sugary hot chocolate from our childhood. It is time to forget about the cocoa powder you might be used to! Cocoa powder traditionally contains far less nutritional goodness compared to 100% cacao mass (i.e. solid cacao). Cocoa powder doesn't contain all the natural good fats, minerals, antioxidants and flavanols from cacao beans, as the process involves extracting the cacao butter. This process drastically modifies the taste profiles, the nutritional benefits and the creamy texture.
Ceremonial grade cacao that is turned into powder also loses some of its nutrient value, the real power lies in solid 100% cacao.
Cacao comes from a tree that only grows in tropical weather, in the regions located on the equator line. This tree can grow up to 12 meters high and takes about 5 - 10 years to reach its maximum yield. The pods on cacao trees grow very randomly, they are imperfectly beautiful just like all of us. The cacao pods change their colour when they are ripe, from green to a brown/yellow or purple colour.
Inside, the pods contain the cacao beans that are then hand extracted, fermented and sun dried. The flavour of the cacao highly depends on the fermentation process, which brings out the full taste and aroma, however, soil quality, environmental conditions and the cacao genetics are also important in determining the quality and flavour of the cacao.
The dried cacao beans are then roasted and the shells from the beans are removed. Then begins the grinding process, to obtain the cacao mass or 'cacao liquor', which is essentially the solid cacao mass. This solid cacao mass is considered a heart opening medicine and has been consumed by South American communities for thousands of years.
Solid 100% cacao (like Pachamama Goods Ceremonial Grade Cacao) is a delicious and nutritious plant medicine, rich in iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, antioxidants and other feel good properties. It supports connection with yourself, Pachamama, and others.
If you haven’t heard about 100% cacao as a delicious and nutritious superfood, read more by visiting pachamamagoods.com.au/pages/about-cacao.
To you from Mother Nature.