Cacao... and its many forms
- NUA Naturals
- Aug 12, 2015
- 2 min read
Cacao (promounced Ka-Kow) is one of nature's most potent antioxidant superfoods! The core ingredient of chocolate, when consumed in its raw unprocessed state, is extremely rich in nutrients and health benefits. Premium, natural and 100% Organic, our Cacao Products are sourced from Peru where they are naturally fermented to remove bitterness, creating a smooth, rich chocolate flavour.
Cacao beans can be broken down into a variety of forms from powder to butter and even nibs. Check out what each one is below and how you can use them to make some awesome cacao infused creations!
1. Cacao Powder
The versatile Cacao Powder is extracted by first cold pressing the whole cacao bean to preserve the nutrients and in the process, extracting the butter. What’s left behind is the dried cacao powder which contains much of the nutritional benefits of the whole bean.
Cacao powder is great to;
- Bake into cakes and muffins
- Blend into Smoothies
- Mix with milk to create a hot chocolate
Check out some great inspirational recipes for our Cacao Powder HERE
2. Cacao Butter
Cacao Butter is created when the pure edible fat is separated at low temperatures from the cacao bean solids. The result is a beautiful (stable) pale yellow butter with a mild chocolate taste and aroma.
Cacao Butter can be used for for the following;
- Melt and add to water/nut milk to make a hot chocolate
- Blend into smoothies, Juice or shakes
- Make some Chocolate by melting with cacao butter
Check out more delicious Cacao Butter recipes HERE
3. Cacao Paste
Cacao beans are ground into a liquid otherwise known as cacao liquor. Still containing all the nutrients of the bean, the liquor is then dried resulting in a smooth & creamy cacao paste which is perfect for making raw chocolates & desserts.
Use in:
- Melt and add to water/nut milk to make a hot chocolate
- Blend into smoothies, Juice or shakes
- Make some Chocolate by melting with cacao butter
4. Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are simply the whole cacao beans that have been broken down into smaller pieces, making them easier to chew and enjoy!
Use in:
- Blend into Smoothies
- Create a raw trail mix
- Use in baking
- Sprinkle over morning cereal
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