What is Cacao Powder?
Cacao powder (pronounced Ca-Cow) is the purest, most natural form of chocolate that has a delicious chocolate flavour without the sweetness of processed chocolate. Since our product is certified organic by both the Irish Organic Association and the European Commission, you know our Cacao Powder has been processed without any nasty pesticides, fumigation or any GMOs, sourced with respect for nature and packed to the brim with goodness!
Our Cacao Powder comes from the cacao bean which grows on the Theobroma cacao tree’s in Peru. The bean is carefully and ethically harvested and processed to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients and benefits the cacao bean has to offer in powder form ready to use in loads of different ways. From mixing it in a hot or cold drink, to baking with it, or sprinkling it over a snack, there are countless easy ways you can make use of our Cacao Powder in your diet!
It’s important to not confuse cacao with cocoa (or chocolate). Although they are harvested from the same bean on the same tree, the way in which they’re processed makes a massive difference to their nutritional properties. Cacao powder is processed at really low temperatures because we find heat destroys the antioxidants and flavanols that are found naturally in the bean. This is the good stuff but it can often give cacao a bitter taste.
The antioxidants and flavanols found in cacao are responsible for some of the amazing benefits of the powder. In fact, it contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any known food by far (yes, we’re talking way more than blueberries, goji berries, red wine, or green tea!). The antioxidants have been linked to loads of health benefits including lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow. Flavanols are a plant-based antioxidant that can reduce tiredness and fatigue, improve heart health, and cognitive function. Flavanols have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can potentially reduce the risk of dementia and slow down aging. It has also shown potential anti-cancerous properties can help combat symptoms of asthma, diabetes, and depression.
Where does Cacao Powder come from?
Our Cacao Powder (pronounced CA-COW) is sourced ethically and organically from the beautiful country of Peru in South America. Cacao powder comes from the cacao bean which grows on the Theobroma cacao tree (also called the cacao tree or cocoa tree), an evergreen tree that is native to the tropical regions of Mesoamerica. Once the bean is harvested, we allow it to ferment for a few days so that it can develop that lovely chocolate flavour and a nice texture. Then the beans are dried out and carefully cold pressed so that we can preserve the nutrients and extract the butter (the fatty part of the bean). The substance left over is then milled into the dried cacao powder that consists of the majority of nutrients of the whole bean.
It’s important to not confuse cacao with cocoa. Although they are harvested from the same bean on the same tree, the way in which they’re processed makes a massive difference to their nutritional properties. Cacao powder is processed at really low temperatures because we find heat destroys the antioxidants and flavanols that are found naturally in the bean. This is the good stuff but it can often give cacao a bitter taste. On the other hand, cocoa is made from cacao beans that are roasted and processed at a higher temperature (this is known as ‘Dutch processing’). This way, the powder is less bitter but has lost a lot of its nutritional value. Many cocoa products can also be found to include extra sugar and flavourings. It’s not hard to see why we at Nua Naturals all agree cacao is the better and healthier option!
Cacao powder is the purest, most natural form of chocolate that has a delicious chocolate flavour without the sweetness of processed chocolate. Since out product is certified organic by both the Irish Organic Association and the European Commission, you know our Cacao Powder has been processed without any nasty pesticides, fumigation or any GMOs, sourced with respect for nature and packed to the brim with goodness!
Ellen –
I love this organic cacao powder, ideal for protein balls and smoothies.
Arita –
Love, love, love this organic cacao powder. I get so much flavour out of the small amount. It’s great to add in the smoothie, power balls, porridge and of course cakes.