Raw Cacao Powder

Source: Mountain Rose Herbs
Organic, Fair Trade, and Kosher
Origin: Peru

COMMON NAME
Standardized: chocolate
Other: cacao

BOTANICAL NAME
Theobroma cacao L.
Plant Family: Sterculiaceae

OVERVIEW
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.

Raw cacao powder has a rich flavor that is more subtle in its nuances then its roasted counterpart. The aroma has a slight floral aspect balanced with deep chocolate undertones.

Cacao beans and nibs have a long and colorful history, beginning in Central and South America before 1500 BC. The entire cacao fruit was used medicinally by the Mayan, Olmec and Aztec civilizations. These early American peoples also enjoyed consuming chocolate as a beverage; each culture adding its own mix of spices and flavorings to the drink. After the Spanish conquest in the 1500’s, cacao made its way to Europe and began to spread worldwide.

PARTS USED
Raw beans, ground into powder.

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS
Raw powder can be incorporated into tea, baking recipes, smoothies, and energy bars. Used abundantly in food and other consumables. Sometimes found in extract form.

SUMMARY
Cacao beans and nibs contain a number of constituents with proven health benefits, but many of these constituents are destroyed or lessened when processed. Health practitioners recommend that anyone interested in eating cacao for its health benefits use raw, unprocessed cacao beans and nibs rather than processed chocolate.

PRECAUTIONS
Cacao bean contains caffeine and may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, occasionally, rapid heartbeat. Not recommended for use by children under the age of 18.
We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.