What Is Raw Chocolate And Why You Should Try It
January 24, 2023
Have you heard about dark chocolate being a better option than milk chocolates when it comes to health benefits? But did you know that raw chocolate is an even better choice? What is raw chocolate and why should you choose it over your favorite famous sugar-processed chocolate bar? Here’s why.
The unprocessed form of chocolate – cacao, just before the cacao bean undergo the roasting process, is chocolate in its purest form.
What is Raw Chocolate?
Cacao grows from the tropical tree whose scientific name, Theobroma cacao, translates to “food of the gods” in Greek. When the cacao pods were harvested from the tree, they are opened to remove the seeds. The seeds will then be fermented naturally for about 2 days up to a week to eliminate bitterness, and then will be cleaned and dried under the sun. After drying, the beans will be roasted and then peeled to produce the cacao nibs and then go to the next step the chocolate process which is grinding. Here, cacao nibs are ground into a chocolatey paste called chocolate liquor or cocoa mass.
During the roasting process, the beans are heated to temperatures up to 200°F, which destroys some nutrients and antioxidants in the cacao, thus minimizing the health benefits. Moreover, to make the chocolate that we all love, sugar, fats, and other ingredients are added to the process to add flavor and sweetness to the chocolates. All of these are absent in raw chocolate.
Health Benefits
Raw chocolate is even considered as a superfood due to all its health benefits. According to research, cacao contains antioxidants called flavonoids, that are good for lowering blood pressure and inflammation in the body. It also contains psychoactive ingredients which helps reduce symptoms of depression.
Studies also show that cacao contains an antioxidant epicatechin which helps improve our body’s metabolism. It also provides fiber that supports digestion and stimulates our production of digestive enzymes. It is also naturally low in sugar and a good source of protein, fiber, minerals, and healthy fats.
Incorporate Raw Chocolate in your Daily Diet
Since raw chocolate is chocolate in its purest form, the taste is not like the sweet chocolates that we know. It is definitely a bit bitter like dark chocolates with higher cocoa content. Even if you are not a fan of dark chocolates, you can still enjoy raw chocolate by slowly incorporating it to your daily routines. For starters, try dipping raw chocolate chunks into honey or your chosen organic sweetener and then freeze them! They are especially enjoyable to have during summer.
You could also try melting it and dip fresh fruits in it. Or drizzle it to your popcorn while watching movies with family. Also, in the line of adding fruits, why not also add bits of raw chocolate to your trail mixes or into that fruit salad you are serving for dessert? The bitterness will balance the sweetness of the fruits. Plus, your guests will surely find your dessert very unique!
You can also grind it and make your own raw cocoa powder, and use it for your smoothies and hot chocolate drinks. Breakfast with raw chocolate also seems nice. Drizzle melted chocolate into your pancakes and oatmeal, or add some to your coffee to make a mocha! And you can also bake with it. Use it in place of your usual chocolate chips, or make a chocolate cake – raw chocolate version. 😊
Or try making chocolate porridge! Yup, It’s a thing here in the Philippines. This is my personal favorite and I can eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack! You will need sticky rice and raw chocolate bits or powder. Cook the rice and add the chocolate, mix everything until there is no more chocolate chunks and that’s it! Add honey and serve. Yum!
Overall
Raw, unprocessed cacao beans are now readily available in your local supermarket and even online. The chocolate industry has definitely improved and better chocolate versions are now easily found near you. If you have no idea where to start looking, try looking into Righteous Cacao or Lulu’s Chocolate. Both are amazing.
At the end of it all, eating chocolate has both health benefits and risks. And as long as it gives you happiness, and taken in moderation, chocolate can be a great partner in your health journey. Store your chocolate stash properly to be able to use them longer. Follow these simple tips.
Have you tried raw chocolate? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and don’t forget to follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for more fun and interesting chocolatey ideas!
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