Cacao Beans, Butter, Nibs, Paste & Powder

Cacao - Food of the Gods

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What is Cacao?

Cacao is the seed of a fruit of an Amazonian tree that was brought to Central America during or before the time of the Olmecs. Cacao beans were so revered by the Mayans and Aztecs that they used them as money!

In 1753 Carl von Linnaeus, the 18th-century Swedish scientist, thought that cacao was so important that he named the genus and species of this tree himself. He named this tree: Theobroma cacao, which literally means "cacao, the food of the gods."

The following quote from the "Historia General y Natural de las Indias" (General History and Nature of the Indies) by Fernàndez de Oviedo (1535) describes where cacao originally came from according to Mayan myhthology "Cocoa was more than a simple food. It was a divine food. Quetzalcoalt, the sacred king of the Toltechi, high priest and king of Tula, was the gardener of paradise where the first men lived. From there, he brought the cacahuaquehitl or cacaotero to his country."

"The True History of Chocolate"

This is the title of a book written by Coe and Coe. The authors a husband and wife team, both Harvard academics, intended to document the definitive history of chocolate in this book (as there are many versions of the history of chocolate). Michael Coe a meso-american expert finished the book after his wife Sophie died of cancer while working on the book. For Sophie the history of chocolate was her passion and she spent hundreds of hours tracking down centuries-old manuscripts in the libraries of Europe and North America.

The Coe's refer to the pre-mayan culture of Olmecs, particularly the group based in Izapa in Xoconusco (Soconusco), Mexico as the place where the criollo variety of cacao was originally domesticated by this culture sometime between 400 B.C. and A.D.100. There are still small pockets of these original heirloom varieties of criollo cacao in semi-abondoned plantations around the ruins of Izapa, just outside Tapachula in Xoconusco. The region of Xoconusco and the cacao grocacao producing regions in Mesoamericawn there was so prominent in their account of the true history of Chocolate that the coe's referred to it as "the diamond in the crown of the Aztec empire". The map shows the boundaries of the Aztec empire and the major cacao growing regions of the time just before the spanish conquest. You will notice the Aztecs conquered the small region of Soconusco even though it was far removed from the main part of their territory, just to be able to control the prized cacao grown in the region.

Cacao and Traditional Mesoamerican Life
Cacao was considered sacred by the mayans and was the major offering in most of their ceremonies. Even though the cacao bean was central to Mesoamerican life, only the very wealthy and powerful could afford to use it. The Mayan and Aztec priests and royalty drank copious amounts of a drink made from the fermented and crushed cacao seeds. This drink was called xocoatl or "bitter water" in Nahua. Later in Europe xocoatl became "chocolate." Xocoatl was used for ceremonies and religious observances. Priests used it as a part of their prayer offerings. Kings drank it for breakfast. Marriage vows were sealed by drinking xocoatl. It was a major part of every feast. During the 15th century, Nezahualcoyotl's court in Texcoco is recorded as consuming "four xipuipillis" or 32,000 beans each day. In the market place, the beans were accepted as standard currency. On market day, three beans would purchase a turkey egg, 100 beans a slave or a dugout canoe, 65-300 beans a cotton mantle. Cacao beans continued to be used as standard currency until 1887 in Mexico.The cacao of Xoconusco was considered the finest, best quality cacao by the aztec royalty and the largest annual taxes of cacao were collected from this region.

Cacao Beans, Butter, Liquor, Nibs, Powder, Raw Chocolate Bars & Chocolate Coconut Butter
The raw cacao bean is one of nature's most fantastic superfoods due to its wide array of unique properties, many of which are destroyed or corrupted by cooking.

"People always ask me what I eat. Raw, organic Cacao Beans are the primary food in my diet. They have inspired me to eat less and live more. Cacao Beans are truly the food of the gods, the best food ever!" - David Wolfe, co-author of 'Naked Chocolate' book.  Please go below to buy.

Cacao beans contain no sugar and between 12% and 50% fat depending on variety and growth conditions. There is no evidence to implicate cacao bean consumption with obesity.

Magnesium
Cacao is remarkably rich in magnesium.  Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food. This is likely the primary reason women crave chocolate during the menstrual period. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with more happiness. Magnesium is the most deficient major mineral on the Standard American Diet (SAD); over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in Magnesium!

Stimulant or Superfood?
Cacao contains subtle amounts of caffeine and theobromine. However, experiments have shown that these stimulants are far different when consumed raw than cooked.

Consider the following: Experimental provings of chocolate by homeopaths indicate its stimulating effect when cooked. One experiment conducted with a decoction of roasted ground cacao beans in boiling water produced an excitement of the nervous system similar to that caused by black coffee, an excited state of circulation, and an accelerated pulse. interestingly, when the same decoction was made with raw, unroasted beans neither effect was noticeable, leading the provers to conclude that the physiological changes were caused by aromatic substances released during roasting.

MAO Inhibitors
Cacao seems to diminish appetite, probably due to its monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) - these are different from digestive enzyme inhibitors found in most nuts and seeds. These rare MAO inhibitors actually produce favorable results when consumed by allowing more serotonin and other neurotransmitters to circulate in the brain. According to Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MAO inhibitors facilitate youthening and rejuvenation.

Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in chocolate. PEA is an adrenal-related chemical that is also created within the brain and released when we are in love. This is one of the reasons why love and chocolate have a deep correlation. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness.

Anandamide (The Bliss Chemical)
A neurotransmitter called anandamide, has been isolated in cacao. Anandamide is also produced naturally in the brain. Anandamide is known as "The Bliss Chemical" because it is released while we are feeling great. Cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies' ability to breakdown anandamide. This means that natural anandamide and/or cacao anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer, when we eat cacao.

Allergies?
A recent study showed that only one out of 500 people who thought they were allergic to chocolate actually tested positive. Allergies to chocolate are quite rare. It is typically the case that the person is in fact allergic to milk and dairy products.

Cacao & Antioxidants
Raw cacao is very high in antioxidants.  Its ORAC rating is 621 - compare that to blueberries at about 32!

 

 ORAC scores for the Top 11 Antioxidant Foods (per 100 grams)
 1) Raw cocoa powder*                                       95,500
 2) Raw cacao nibs*                                           62,100
 3) Roasted cocoa powder                                  26,000
 4) Goji Berries*                                                 25,300
 5) Acai Berries*                                                18,500
 6) Dark Chocolate                                             13,120
 7) Prunes                                                           5,770
 8) Raisins                                                          2,830
 9) Blueberries                                                    2,400
10) Blackberries                                                  2,036
11) Kale                                                             1,770
 Source: US department of Agriculture/Journal of American Chemical Society
 * Source: Brunswick Laboratories MA, USA


Cancer & Heart Disease
Recent studies have shown that cacao helps protect us from cancer & heart disease.

How To Use Our Cacao:
1. Try eating beans & nibs straight or mixed in with nuts, seeds or/and dried fruits. Chew thoroughly and experience the taste extravaganza of raw chocolate.

2. Add cacao to smoothies to enhance the flavour & nutrition.

3. Create a raw chocolate desert:  Mash 2 - 4 avos with some squeezed some citrus juice.  Add 1 - 2 mashed bananas, or some soaked & mashed dates.  The add 2 - 4 tbspns cacao powder or very finely-ground cacao beans or nibs .  Mix well & enjoy!

4. Create a raw chocolate bar. Heat the following ingredients in a water bath to 43 degrees C:  8 tbspns coconut oil, 2 tbspns finely-chopped cocoa butter. Add very finely-ground & sieved cacao beans - 2-4 tbspns to taste, then honey or maple syrup - 2-3 tbspns to taste. Pour into molds and place in your fridge or freezer. Eat cold and experience the truth about the food of the gods!

There are about 100 recipes in 'Naked Chocolate.'  Please go below to buy.

Warning: Eating raw cacao may cause you to have THE BEST DAY EVER!

Cacao is great fun for everyone - especially kids!

Cacao Paste - Raw Planet - Organic & Raw - Peru

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Single origin Peruvian Criollo Ceremonial Grade Cacao Paste suitable for elixirs and chocolate and everyday use.

A Special Thanks
Purchasing this product will mean that a donation will be made through the Amazon Support Initiative to a local community in the Amazon to support projects that help promote the wellbeing and sustainable development of these communities. You have our thanks for your support in buying through us and helping to achieve these goals.

Cacao Butter - Raw Planet - Organic & Raw - Peru

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Single origin Peruvian Criollo Ceremonial Grade Cacao Butter suitable for elixirs and chocolate and everyday use.

A Special Thanks
Purchasing this product will mean that a donation will be made through the Amazon Support Initiative to a local community in the Amazon to support projects that help promote the wellbeing and sustainable development of these communities. You have our thanks for your support in buying through us and helping to achieve these goals.

Cacao Beans - Raw Planet - Organic & Raw - Solomon Islands - Unpeeled & Lightly Fermented

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The raw cacao bean is one of nature's most fantastic superfoods due to its wide array of unique properties, many of which are destroyed or corrupted by cooking.

"People always ask me what I eat. Raw, organic Cacao Beans are the primary food in my diet. They have inspired me to eat less and live more. Cacao Beans are truly the food of the gods, the best food ever!" - David Wolfe, co-author of 'Naked Chocolate' book.

These are raw whole unpeeled & lightly fermented organic cacao beans from the Solomon Islands. These are the most potent whole unpeeled fermented cacao beans available.

Cacao Nibs - Raw Planet - Organic & Raw - Peru

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These are peeled & kibbled cacao beans. Raw Cacao Nibs are jam packed with antioxidants, magnesium and bliss nutrients that may help keep you young, healthy and happy.

You will love their yummy chocolate flavour!


Our Cacao Nibs are an original heirloom criollo amazonico Cacao from Satipo in Peru. By buying this Raw Cacao you are supporting a sustainable project that is rescuing this original heirloom variety of Cacao, which has been grown by the Ashaninka and Chene people of the Peruvian Amazon for thousands of years.

These certified organic indigenous growers use an age old system of permaculture, where the Cacao trees are planted under the native forest canopy, along with other fruit trees, such as mango, avocado and papaya. All of these trees add their distinctive nuances to the fine multi-floral flavour of this exquisite Cacao.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size 10g

Per Serve

Per 100g

Energy

252.2kj

2522.1kj

Protein

1.35g

13.5g

Fat-total

4.68g

46.8g

   - saturated

2.5g

25g

Carbohydrate-total

3.18g

31.8g

   - sugar

0g

0g

Sodium

1.7mg

17mg

Cacao Powder - Raw Planet - Organic & Raw - Peru

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The raw chocolate revolution is in full swing!

We are extremely happy to present you with New Zealand's first raw cacao powder that's been organically certified.  As the market has grown, the Peruvian producer has been able to invest in new machinery and more people. Because of this, he's just perfected a technique that makes truly raw organic cacao powder. This means that you can now create the world's healthiest organic raw chocolate treats easier and cheaper than before.

A Special Thanks

Purchasing this product will mean that a donation will be made through the Amazon Support Initiative to a local community in the Amazon to support projects that help promote the wellbeing and sustainable development of these communities. You have our thanks for your support in buying through us and helping to achieve these goals.

What is Raw Cacao Powder (Chocolate Powder)?

It's created by cold-pressing our cacao beans into a cake separating the oil from the protein and fibre. The temperature is never allowed to exceed 47 degrees Celsius and is usually 40 degrees Celsius (all other cocoa powders are exposed to temperatures as high as 150 degrees Celcius!). A high-accuracy thermometer monitors the process. Slowly, the pure, liquid cacao butter begins to sift off down a stainless steel valve. The remaining dry 'cake-like' material is then cold-ground, fine-milled and sifted so that only the finest, most bio-available raw cacao particles filter through into the finished product. This allows for maximum digestion and antioxidant absorption. It has a delightful, full, antioxidant-rich chocolate flavour.

This unique technique uses absolutely no chemicals, no hexane, no solvents.

The Amazing Story of Raw Cacao Powder
ORAC antioxidant laboratory analysis confirms that there are over 25,200 ORAC units in a single spoonful of Raw Cacao Powder!

This delicious, easy-to-use and mega-potent (955 ORAC units per gram!) form of chocolate has broken a world record. Never before has there been 25,200 ORAC units of antioxidant power in a spoonful of anything.

Dark chocolate has been touted as a source of antioxidants, but this raw cacao powder is way beyond that. Living proof that raw is better!

Why Antioxidants?
Antioxidants keep you looking young, they help fight disease, and they do all these things, too:

* Italian researchers found eating 100 grams of dark chocolate each day for 15 days lowered blood pressure in the 15-person study. The University of L'Aquila team also found the body's ability to metabolise sugar -- a problem for people with diabetes -- was improved. Because the effect was believed to be due to antioxidant levels, with Raw Cacao Powder we can likely multiply this effect.

* Dutch researchers indicate that dark chocolate contains four times the amount of catechin antioxidants than black tea, which is suspected of having a protective effect against heart disease and possibly cancer due to its antioxidant properties. With Raw Cacao Powder, it would be 28 times more than Black Tea and potentially 7 times the protection!

* In trials, doctors at Harvard found that Antioxidant compounds called Flavonols in chocolate help the body to produce nitric oxide, a compound essential for proper heart function. (Nitric oxide is also believed by pro bodybuilders to help increase muscularity.) Again, with Raw Cacao Powder, this effect could easily be multiplied.

Raw cacao powder contains about seven times as many antioxidants as cooked cacao powder, that's about 723% more!

Concentrated Nutrients
Because it's concentrated, raw cacao powder has at least 33% more of many of cacao's most vital nutrients! In Raw Cacao Powder, much of the oil is removed, while nearly all of the active nutrients remain. For example...

* The amino acid Tryptophan is found naturally in cacao. Tryptophan enhances relaxation and promotes better sleep. Now you'll get at least 33% more when you use Raw Cacao Powder!

* Researchers have discovered that phenylethylamine (PEA) has a positive effect in enhancing feelings of love. And Chocolate has been proven to be an excellent source of PEA. Now you can love at least 33% more with Raw Cacao Powder!

* Cacao is the richest food source of magnesium of any common food. Magnesium is the number one mineral that assists and supports healthy heart functioning. Now you get at least 33% more magnesium gram-per-gram with Raw Cacao Powder!

* Raw Cacao Powder has at least 33% more Arginine, the aphrodisiac-like amino acid believed by body builders to build muscle and aid in recovery.

* And much, much more!

We could talk forever about the qualities of raw chocolate, but that's what their book Naked Chocolate book is all about!

How To Use Raw Cacao Powder
Here are just a few ideas for using your Raw Cacao Powder. You can:
* Add it to your favorite smoothies (one heaping tablespoon will do) and watch them instantly become Raw Chocolate masterpieces!
* You can blend it with raw coconut oil and agave nectar - for instant raw chocolate syrup! (Then put this on top of raw ice cream or fresh fruit - AMAZING!)
* You can blend it in a food processor with raw nut butters and agave nectar, for the most delicious desert you've ever had. (In fact, similar nut butters mixed with roasted cocoa powder are very expensive in health food stores.)
* You can make any cookie, brownie or pie more chocolatey and delicious - just add a tablespoon or more to taste.
* You can blend it with sweet almond milk. This gives you a creamy dark chocolate milk that's LOADED with antioxidant power and tastes out of this world!

Storage
Please refrigerate or store in a cool, dry place (out of direct sunlight) if you can, though it's not essential. This product is microbe-free and highly-stable.

Check out our Raw Cacao Powder
In the book Naked Chocolate they mentioned the amazing story of the Kuna Indians, who live on the San Blas Islands of Panama. These people have always had extremely low blood pressure and that it did not climb as they got older. In fact, they always remained in remarkably great health.

When the lifestyles of these people were studied, one thing stuck out. The Kuna living on the islands drank a significant amount of locally grown, minimally processed, high-flavonol cocoa.

The best part: for the first time ever, YOU can do the exact same thing. You get to drink and eat this simple, yet powerful food - very likely the most potent source of health-promoting antioxidants in existence.

Nutritional Information
Serving Size 2g

 

Per Serve

Per 100g

Energy

20.18kj

1009kj

Protein

0.54g

27g

Fat-total

0.22g

11g

   - saturated

0.13g

6.5g

Carbohydrate

0.33g

16.4g

   - sugars

<0.1g

1g

Dietary Fibre

0.63g

31.7g

Potassium

34mg

1700mg

Phosphorus

14mg

700mg

Magnesium

10.4mg

520mg

Calcium

4mg

200mg

Iron

0.8mg

40mg

Sodium

0.4mg

20mg