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The rumours are true… Chocolate is good for you!
But I’m not talking about your highly processed Kit Kats, Crunchies and Boost bars, I’m referring to the raw stuff!
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♥ What Is Cacao
Raw cacao powder is less processed than commercial cocoa powder and therefore maintains the remarkable enzyme and nutrient content of the cacao bean.
Pure raw chocolate is antioxidant-rich and contains NO added nasties such as genetically modified soy-lecithin, dairy products or refined sugar- ingredients that are often found in highly processed commercial cocoa products.
♥ Health Benefits of Raw Cacao Powder
Raw cacao contains an impressive list of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vitamin C, phosphorus and calcium. In addition it also provides an array of antioxidants including polyphenols, catechins, epicatechins and flavanoids (all good things!) – 14 times more antioxidants then red wine, and 21 times more than green tea!
Still not convinced!? Cacao is also mood-enhancer. In short, it plays an important role in the synthesis of serotonin (making you happy and relaxed), that’s a big tick from me!
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♥ Ways To Incorporate Raw Cacao Powder Into Your Diet
Incorporate raw cacao powder into your diet by using it as a substitute for any chocolate-based recipe that calls for processed cocoa powder. Use it in baking recipes, add it to chocolate smoothies or use it to make raw chocolate goodies. Alternately just eat raw chocolate! Substitute your 3pm Mars Bar for a few squares of the raw stuff (Try Loving Earth’s ‘Luvju’ range. Available in both “milk” and dark varieties. YUM!)
♥ Where To Find Raw Cacao Powder & Cost
Depending on the size, raw cacao powder can cost anywhere between $10-$20 (make sure you buy organic). It may seem expensive, but a little goes a long way! Most raw chocolate bars or blocks cost around $2.50-$8.00 (depending on size). Both raw cacao powder and raw chocolate are available at most health food shops or online. Luvju bars can also be purchased online through the Loving Earth website.
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♥ Recipe Time!
Home made chocolate is as easy as 1,2,3. No really, all you’ll need is 3 essential ingredients to form the basic chocolate recipe and then you can add whatever flavour combinations your heart desires. This recipe takes 20 minutes tops, from start to devour 😛 Choccie in a hurry anyone!?
I like to make mine spread out as a chocolate bark. Once set I then break it into pieces and store in a container in the fridge. It usually lasts about 1- 2 weeks (if I hide it well!). You could also pour the mixture into mini moulds and make little individual chocolates.
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Raw Coconut, Berry & Pistachio Chocolate
Basic Ingredients:
♥ 1/2 cup cacao butter
♥ 3/4 cup cacao powder
♥ 1 Tbs coconut sugar (can be omitted for sugar free)
Additions:
♥ 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
♥ 1/2 cup dried berries (I used mulberries, goji berries and cranberries but you could use whatever you like)
♥ 1/2 cup pistachios
Directions:
1. Prepare a baking tray lined with baking paper (make sure you can get it into your freezer)
2. Very gently melt the cacao butter over a low heat until melted
3. Add in cacao powder, coconut sugar, coconut and whisk to combine (ensuring smooth and no lumps)
4. Pour into lined baking tray and spread out with a spatula making it as thin or thick as you like (or pour into mini moulds)
5. Sprinkle berries and nuts on top
6. Place in the freezer to set roughly 15 mins
7. Break into small pieces and store in an airtight container in fridge
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Enjoy your new found favourite guilt-free treat!
Have you tried raw cacao powder before or tried raw chocolate? What did you think? Would LOVE to chat all things healthy choccie with you in the comments, so drop me a line below! 🙂
Article by Kavisha, self confessed ‘health foodie’ who believes a little dessert is good for the soul. She is currently studying for her Master of Wellness at RMIT University and blogs at Style My Coconut.
Be well,
xoxo
I LOVE raw cacao powder! I use it mostly for making those amazing raw superfood fudge balls 🙂
Where do you get cacao butter from? Health food shops?
Lucy x
Hi Lucy,
I’ve only seen these cacao butter buttons at some health food shops. I’m sure you’ll be able to find them online if you cant find them in store. The buttons are a whole lots easier to work with than the solid cacao butter block 🙂
Kavisha x
Heya,
I was just wondering if it’s the low heat that keeps in all the heat sensitive minerals by heating the powder aren’t you just cooking out the minerals?
I ask mainly cause I wanna shove it in my Cardiologists face for banning me from “all chocolate on the market”.
Great recipe! You could add unsweetened shredded coconut and raspberries for a sweet twist!
Hi Kate, thanks for your comment. That is a fab idea, cheers for the tip! 🙂
You can also do another version with coconut oil instead of cocao butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup cacao powder
1 Tbs coconut sugar or raw honey (can be omitted for sugar free)
Mix all together, spread out onto baking paper, sprinkle nuts, dried fruit, coconut etc over the top and stick in freezer. Set for 10 or so min and eat! Keep it stored in the freezer though as it melts alot quicker than cocao butter.
I just made a batch using the recipe and I think I did something wrong.
When I added the powder and sugar to the melted it went to a thick paste like consistency. I had to use a heap of soy-milk to get it smooth. Can anyone tell me what I did wrong?