Cacao Powder (Theobroma cacao) – Dried Herb, Organic

The Cacao tree is native to the Amazon Basin. It was domesticated by the Olmecs and Mokaya (Mexico and Central America). More than 4000 years ago, it was consumed by pre-Columbian cultures along the Yucatán, including the Maya, and as far back as Olmeca civilization in spiritual ceremonies. The history of chocolate began in Southern Mexico. Fermented beverages made from chocolate date back to 450 BC. The Aztecs believed that Cacao seeds were the gift of Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom, and the seeds once had so much value that they were used as a form of currency.

The traditional ways of consuming cacao were to eat fresh fruit, to ferment the fruit to make an alcoholic drink or to use the alcoholic drink to make vinegar. It was only in Mesoamerica that a history of fermenting, roasting and grinding the Cacao seeds (rather than the fruit) to make drinks was found.

There are five major ways in which Cacao and its related species have been used as medicines throughout Mesoamerica and northern South America. Historically Cacao was used as a stimulant or treatment for fatigue, for weight gain, as emollients (for softening or soothing dry or damaged skin), antiseptic (killing microbes around bites or wounds), and in certain species, as part of a snake bite remedy.

Our raw 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 raw Cacao butter and a raw Cacao cake. This cake is then further milled into this fine powder.

Properties:

Raw Cacao powder has a rich taste that is more subtle in its nuances than its roasted counterpart. The aroma has a slight floral aspect balanced with bitter chocolate undertones. The energetics of cacao are warming and moistening to the tissues. Cacao powder has an affinity towards the cardiovascular system, kidneys, spleen and nervous system. Combines well with medicinal mushroom powders.

How to use:

Raw Cacao Powder can be incorporated into tea, baking recipes, smoothies and energy bars. Used abundantly in food and other consumables.

Swapping out your chocolate powder for Cacao in your baking and beverages will not only give you a nutritional superfood but will easily satisfy your chocolate craving.

Cautions & contraindications:

Cacao bean contains caffeine and may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and occasionally rapid heartbeat.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider before the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.

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