See more: Cacao
ORGANIC CACAO BEANS, whole, unpeeled, raw, 100% Arriba Criollo
SKU: C101-44
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao (pronounced kah-kow)
Variety: Criollo
Certified Organic
Origin: Ecuador
Production: The Incas considered cacao the "drink of gods" which gave rise to the scientific name of the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao, from the Greek words Theo (god) and broma (drink). Cocoa has been cultivated in Ecuador since the 17th century and was the main product of export up to the 1920s when diseases struck, destroying crops everywhere. The Criollo variety of cacao beans is sourced from the native-born heirloom species thriving in the high-elevation volcanic soils of the Arriba Nacional forest of Ecuador. This ancient strain has been recovered thanks to the hard work and wisdom of many local farmers.
Qualities: The Criollo variety is considered worldwide to have the finest floral aroma and flavor profile. Some claim that "what the fine Arabica bean is to coffee, the even finer and rarer Criollo bean is to chocolate".
After the ripe pod has been cut from the tree, it is opened, the rind discarded, and the pulp and seeds laid out for several days. During this time the pulp liquefies or "sweats" and fermentation starts which helps to unlock the full aroma of the cocoa bean and softens its bitter taste. This fermentation process is usually followed by roasting yet our cacao beans remain unroasted - just sun-dried. For further processing, the raw bean is gently crushed and its thin skin removed such that only pieces or "nibs" remain. These cacao nibs are then slowly ground into a thick brown liquid called cacao paste (aka cacao mass or liquor) which is made up of cocoa butter (55-60%) with fine, suspended cocoa particles. This cacao paste is subsequently pressed until it separates into cacao butter and a cacao "cake" which is then ground to produce cacao powder.
Cacao is believed to contain a high amount of antioxidants such as Flavonoids and many other nutrients and minerals like Stearic and Oleic fatty acid, Anandamide (the bliss chemical), Theobromine, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Sulfur, PEA, Tryptophan, etc. The list of acclaimed health benefits goes on and on, including anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties, calming hormones and restore feelings of well-being, increase energy and fight chronic fatigue, anti-aging and appetite suppressant properties, reduce insulin resistance and sensitivity, improve kidney and stimulate bowel function, protect the skin and prevent tooth decay, improve cognitive function, as an aphrodisiac, and many more.
Common Use: the whole, unpeeled bean is the least processed form of commercially available cacao and since they are pretty soft, can be consumed as a snack or hand crushed and used the same as you would cacao nibs.
Storage: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Safety: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
Storage: best kept at room temperatures around 20C (68F), away from direct sunlight, protected from moisture, and tightly sealed.
Disclaimer: this information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA or CFIA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This product has been packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and other potential allergens.
Variety: Criollo
Certified Organic
Origin: Ecuador
Production: The Incas considered cacao the "drink of gods" which gave rise to the scientific name of the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao, from the Greek words Theo (god) and broma (drink). Cocoa has been cultivated in Ecuador since the 17th century and was the main product of export up to the 1920s when diseases struck, destroying crops everywhere. The Criollo variety of cacao beans is sourced from the native-born heirloom species thriving in the high-elevation volcanic soils of the Arriba Nacional forest of Ecuador. This ancient strain has been recovered thanks to the hard work and wisdom of many local farmers.
Qualities: The Criollo variety is considered worldwide to have the finest floral aroma and flavor profile. Some claim that "what the fine Arabica bean is to coffee, the even finer and rarer Criollo bean is to chocolate".
After the ripe pod has been cut from the tree, it is opened, the rind discarded, and the pulp and seeds laid out for several days. During this time the pulp liquefies or "sweats" and fermentation starts which helps to unlock the full aroma of the cocoa bean and softens its bitter taste. This fermentation process is usually followed by roasting yet our cacao beans remain unroasted - just sun-dried. For further processing, the raw bean is gently crushed and its thin skin removed such that only pieces or "nibs" remain. These cacao nibs are then slowly ground into a thick brown liquid called cacao paste (aka cacao mass or liquor) which is made up of cocoa butter (55-60%) with fine, suspended cocoa particles. This cacao paste is subsequently pressed until it separates into cacao butter and a cacao "cake" which is then ground to produce cacao powder.
Cacao is believed to contain a high amount of antioxidants such as Flavonoids and many other nutrients and minerals like Stearic and Oleic fatty acid, Anandamide (the bliss chemical), Theobromine, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Sulfur, PEA, Tryptophan, etc. The list of acclaimed health benefits goes on and on, including anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties, calming hormones and restore feelings of well-being, increase energy and fight chronic fatigue, anti-aging and appetite suppressant properties, reduce insulin resistance and sensitivity, improve kidney and stimulate bowel function, protect the skin and prevent tooth decay, improve cognitive function, as an aphrodisiac, and many more.
Common Use: the whole, unpeeled bean is the least processed form of commercially available cacao and since they are pretty soft, can be consumed as a snack or hand crushed and used the same as you would cacao nibs.
Storage: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Safety: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
Storage: best kept at room temperatures around 20C (68F), away from direct sunlight, protected from moisture, and tightly sealed.
Disclaimer: this information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA or CFIA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This product has been packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and other potential allergens.
