Time to clear the air. There is cocoa and then there is cacao. Do you know the difference?
A majority of the chocolate offered to consumers is so far removed from the cacao tree that it is can’t even been called cacao.
The cacao fruit tree produces pods which are cracked open to reveal the raw cacao bean. It is this raw bean that is processed to produce what we know as cocoa.
Cacao is the purest form of chocolate that you can get and is what some market as raw chocolate.
Cacao has been classified as having the highest content of antioxidants and magnesium of all foods. Cacao is also an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, cholesterol-free saturated fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, natural carbohydrates, and protein that make it an extremely potent health food.
Cocoa on the other hand may not pack quite the same punch.
Cocoa is essentially the cacao bean that has been submitted to high temperature processes. Although it does retain some of the antioxidant properties of the raw cacao, it is less potent than the original source.
Although cacao powder contains more calories than cocoa powder, the fiber content ensures full and proper use of the energy by your body.
Here are just a few of the health benefits that raw cacao has:
- Lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
- Improve cardiovascular function and health.
- Help neutralize free-radicals in the body.
- Enhance physical well being and mental cognition.
It is important to know what to look for when sourcing your raw cacao. Make sure the raw chocolate has not undergone any roasting processes and that they are only fermented or dried which helps maintain the effectiveness of its antioxidants.
From top to bottom you should aim to buy chocolate labelled at the very least with one of the following:
- Raw, unprocessed cacao beans.
- Organic, unroasted cocoa powder (not treated with alkalis).
- Organic dark chocolate with the lowest % of processed sugar, and highest % of cocoa powder or liquor.
Now for the tasty part.
Here is an amazing recipe from One Green Planet, which not only features raw cacao but also contains coconut, which we all know and love as a powerful health food.
These raw chocolate balls make an excellent treat for after dinner and can be kept in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. This recipe yield 10 balls.
Ingredients:
Coconut Filling
- 1 cup of dried coconut
- ¼ cup of extra virgin coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon of Himalayan crystal salt or sea salt
Chocolate Coating
- ½ cup of extra virgin coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons of cacao powder, unsweetened
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1 pinch of Himalayan crystal salt or sea salt (optional)
Method:
Combine your coconut filling ingredients using a food processor. Mix until well blended.
Using an ice cream scoop, divide the mixture onto a plate lined with waxed paper and place in the freezer to set.
Blend the chocolate coating ingredients together in a blender. Simply pour over your coconut balls and return to the freezer to set. Give them 15 minutes before diving in!
