Embark on a Luscious Odyssey with Tropical Cacao: Savoring the Soulful Journey from Liberia’s Verdant Canopies to Your Palate 🌱🍫🌍

Discover the Essence of Pure Indulgence: Embark on a Flavorful Expedition with Tropical Cacao 🌱🍫

Journey into the lush landscapes of Liberia, where the gentle whispers of the breeze carry the intoxicating scent of cacao, immersing you into a sanctuary where nature and care entwine in a serene symphony. Welcome to the universe of Tropical Cacao, where every bean narrates a tale, a heritage deeply embedded in the nourishing African terrains. 🌍🌳

Our odyssey commenced with a dream to present the genuine flavor of Liberian cacao to the world, while simultaneously navigating a route of sustainability and uplifting communities. At Tropical Cacao, we hold the conviction that the most exquisite beans are the offspring of ancestral knowledge, contemporary sustainable methods, and a community that blossoms in unity. 🌱👨‍🌾

Embarking on a Voyage of Sustainability 🚢♻️
Our plantations are not merely grounds for cultivation; they are a vivid illustration of the potential harmony between nature and contemporary agricultural methodologies. Through intercropping, we nurture a vibrant biodiversity that not only elevates the soil health but also provides a nurturing habitat for our cacao trees to thrive.

Incorporating solar-powered irrigation systems, we stride into a future of green and proficient farming. Every droplet of water that feeds our cacao beans symbolizes our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. 🌞💧

Nurturing Communities 💪👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
At the heart of Tropical Cacao lies a dynamic community of farmers, the genuine guardians of our dream. Through educational programs and perpetual involvement, we empower our farming community with the expertise and resources to embrace sustainable farming methods.

Connecting Continents with Every Bean 🌎🌱
As our cacao beans commence their journey from the vibrant Liberian landscapes to the lively international markets, they convey the spirit of our principles, our community’s dedication, and our steadfast commitment to excellence.

We are not merely providing cacao; we are extending a hand for you to be part of a story that is enriching, accountable, and savory. 🤝

Your Gateway to a Saga of Flavor and Heritage 🗝️📜
With every bite, savor the deep, pure taste of our cacao, and pause for a moment to appreciate the journey that brought this modest bean to your palate. We invite you to delve into the universe of Tropical Cacao, to discover, to savor, and to belong to a community that appreciates the core of genuine, sustainable luxury.

Join us in planting the seeds of transformation, one cacao bean at a time. 🌱

Unveiling the Soul of Our Beans: A Peek into Tropical Cacao’s Sustainable Journey

Stepping into the heart of Liberia, where the air is rich with the earthy aroma of cacao, you’ll find a haven where nature and nurture dance in a harmonious rhythm. Welcome to the realm of Tropical Cacao, where every bean has a story, a legacy rooted deep within the fertile African soil.

Our journey began with a vision to offer the world the authentic taste of Liberian cacao, while also embracing a path of sustainability and community empowerment. At Tropical Cacao, we believe that the finest beans are born from a blend of traditional wisdom, modern sustainable practices, and a community that grows together.

Embarking on a Sustainable Voyage

Our farms are more than just a cultivation ground; they are a living example of what harmony between nature and modern agricultural practices can achieve. Through companion planting, we foster a rich biodiversity that not only enhances the soil quality but also creates a nurturing environment for our cacao trees to flourish.

With the integration of solar-powered irrigation systems, we are stepping towards an era of clean and efficient farming. Every drop of water that nourishes our cacao beans is a testament to our commitment to minimizing our carbon footprint.

Cultivating Communities

At the core of Tropical Cacao is a vibrant community of farmers who are the true custodians of our vision. Through training programs and continuous engagement, we empower our farming community with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable farming practices.

Bridging Continents with Every Bean

As our cacao beans embark on their voyage from the heart of Liberia to the bustling international markets, they carry with them the essence of our values, our community’s hard work, and our unwavering commitment to quality.

We are not just offering cacao; we are extending an invitation to be part of a narrative that’s enriching, responsible, and flavorsome.

Your Invitation to a Journey of Taste and Tradition

With every nibble, experience the rich, unadulterated flavor of our cacao, and take a moment to cherish the journey that brought this humble bean to your table. We invite you to explore the world of Tropical Cacao, to learn, to taste, and to be part of a community that values the essence of true, sustainable indulgence.

Join us in sowing seeds of change, one cacao bean at a time.

BEAUTY BENEFITS OF COCA POWDER

When you think about cacao powder, do you just think of the foods and drinks you can make from it, or do you also think of how you can use it to scale your beauty? Cacao powder is the unsweetened powder from cacao beans and it is packed with endless beauty benefits some of which we are going to look at today.

Skin repair

Cocoa powder has the ability to repair your skin cells. This is because it is full of antioxidants that fight free radicals that make your skin cells lifeless. Free radicals cause your skin to be dull and full of blemishes. You should not worry about that no more now that you know a natural solution! Mix cocoa powder with honey and apply it to your face as a mask. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat this daily and within no time, you will be back with your testimony. If you have large pores, you can add yogurt to the mask, it helps with skin tightening

Improves skin complexion

The flavonoids in cacao powder help to nourish and improve your skin complexion making it clearer and brighter. It helps to even out your skin. Cacao powder also improves skin elasticity and reduces dark marks. The caffeine and theobromine in the powder also contribute to the toning of the skin and making it firm. This is because they break down fats and eliminates excess fluid retention which results in puffy and sagging skin.

Softens darkens and makes hair shiny

Cocoa powder not only takes care of your skin but also your hair. It contains sulfur which is one of the vital minerals for hair health. With the continuous use of cocoa powder, you will realize that your hair darkens and becomes softer. Cocoa helps to nourish your hair and increase shine. If you want quicker results, try adding cocoa powder to your conditioner.

Reduces cellulite

We all know how hard it can be to get rid of cellulite. Well, cocoa powder is here to do some magic. The caffeine and Theobromine in the powder help to drain fat cells and promote the flow of excess fluids out of your body. This helps to firm and tighten your skin and therefore clear your cellulite. Make a cocoa powder scrub and take in cocoa often and you won’t regret the results.

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN CHOCOLATE BARS AT HOME

Yeah! you don’t have to stress about not eating chocolate now that you turned vegan. You can buy vegan/low-carb chocolate from the store but why don’t you just learn how to make yours in case they run out of stock or you are as exploring as me?

You only need a few ingredients;

  • Cocoa butter
  • Cocoa powder
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sweetener of choice eg maple syrup
  • Silicon mold

You can get all these at your local store but at least ensure they are organic. Every recipe that I give you calls for organic ingredients because I want you to enjoy the full benefits of chocolate. You can also contact us for the best-grade of chocolate products.

Moving on, you need a double boiler for this method. You can improvise yours by using a pot and a heat-resistant glass bowl.

  • If you’re using the pot method, boil water in the pot and place the glass bowl inside. If you’re using the double boiler, just place the bowl on top and get straight to adding your ingredients
  • Melt cocoa butter
  • Add vanilla extract and stir the mixture
  • Add cocoa powder and mix well until no lumps are left
  • Add your sweetener and mix well
  • Remove mixture from heat and pour into your silicon mold
  • Wait for your chocolate to cool and take the shape of your mold

And that’s it! If you want to go extra with your chocolate bars feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, etc to your mixture just before pouring it into the mold. You can also add salt to balance the sweetness.

Let me know in the comments section how your vegan chocolate bar turned out and the shapes you created. You can do this with your kids, they will be so excited you can’t imagine.

THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

I have been craving some rich and creamy hot cocoa and it hit me that I have not prepared my chocolate mix yet. I like having a whole container of my hot chocolate mix in the pantry such that whenever I feel like I want to warm up, everything will be easy. So, I thought I should have you on board as I make my mix today. Are you excited?

The reason I love making my own hot chocolate mix is that I can balance my ingredients my way. I love my chocolate super creamy and not so sugary. It’s been snowing and this is the best time to make that hot cup to warm yourself up and keep your moods at bay.

I only use 5 ingredients for my hot chocolate mix.

  • Cocoa nibs/chocolate chip
  • Vanilla sugar
  • Organic unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Dry milk/milk powder
  • Organic sugar

You can substitute these ingredients to your liking and the amounts also depend on how much chocolate mix you want to prepare.

In order for this hot chocolate mix to blend well, you just don’t throw your ingredients in a bowl in a bowl and mix, no. You have to follow a procedure and here is mine.

  • In a large bowl, add cocoa powder and organic sugar. Mix these using a whisk for at least 30 seconds
  • Add in the milk powder and vanilla sugar and mix until there are no lumps.
  • Lastly, add your chocolate chips and mix well.
  • Transfer your mix to an airtight container or jar and store it in a cool and dry place.

And that’s it. That wasn’t hard, was it? This mixture will keep you healthy and recharged every time. Having mine ready saves me time.

Imagine all I need to do when I need hot chocolate is just add my mixture to my coffee cup and add hot water. When I have the time and the day is good you know, I add marshmallows or whipping cream. This is how I get extra with my chocolate and you don’t have to do it, no pressure, although you should try it sometimes.

5 UNIQUE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF CACAO

Cacao has so many health benefits. However, it has some unique benefits that make it stand out from other plants and beverages. These benefits include:

It can prevent cancer

Being the second largest cause of death in the world, cancer is feared by all. Cancer occurs when free radicals from your diet and the environment damage cells, causing dangerous mutations. Scientists have discovered that antioxidants can help fight these radical damages, and lower oxidative stress, and cancer risks. These antioxidants can be found in cacao. To be more specific, cacao contains polyphenols, niacin, and flavonoids which help to protect existing cancer cells from spreading, protect your cells from being damaged, and stops cancer cells from growing.

It promotes lower blood pressure

Cacao is natural treatment for blood pressure. It promotes dilation of blood vessels which allows better blood flow and reduces oxidative stress.

It helps to decrease insulin resistance

Studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes may benefit from flavanols found in dark chocolate. These flavanols lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, lower fasting insulin, and improve insulin sensitivity. This is also a result of polyphenols which helps to slow digestion and absorption of carbs and sugar.

It can help with weight loss

If you are trying to lose some weight, indulge some cocoa powder in your diet. It helps to suppress your appetite and as a result you will feel full for longer. It also helps to prevent fast storage, and it increases fat burning.

It can promote better dental health

Cacao contains antioxidants, antibacterial, and immunity-enhancing effects that lead to better dental health and help treat and prevent gingivitis. Cacao protects the enamel of your teeth and helps to strengthen your teeth. These benefits however are for those that use unsweetened cocoa powder.

BENEFITS OF COCOA POWDER TO HAIR AND SKIN

Cocoa has very many health benefits. It has nutrients that help to take care of the whole-body including hair and skin. Today we narrow down to the specific benefits you get from cacao when you use it on your hair or skin.

Cacao benefits to the skin

Cacao powder is a powerful antioxidant. It removes free radicals that could cause damage to skin layers. It also protects the skin. Cacao is an ideal moisturizer. Regular use of cacao on the skin helps to smoothen the skin and maintain an even tone. Cacao can be used in a face mask to help nourish the skin.

Cacao has compounds that help to lighten skin color and energize skin cells. It helps to remove dead skin cells and blemishes when used as a scrub. contains vitamins and minerals that increase blood circulation

Cocoa powder can also be used in beauty products. It can be used in makeup products such as foundations and powders. If you are looking into buying natural makeup products that won’t harm your skin, then look into those with cacao.

Cacao powder protects the skin from UV damages like sunburns and skin cancer. It is also used to treat pimples.

Cacao powder benefits to your hair

Cacao powder increases the volume of your hair. It promotes the growth of hair cells and as a result, increased volume. Cacao powder also helps to maintain curls. It keeps curls hydrated and nourished.

It can be used to dry shampoo to darken hair, especially for those with darker hair. It takes care of the scalp, strengthens your hair’s roots, and prevents hair loss. It increases blood circulation in your scalp, resulting in healthy hair and faster growth.

Cacao has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent scalp infections that could lead to baldness. It makes hair look shiny and healthier

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FERMENTED AND UNFERMENTED RAW CACAO

The big question is, “Does fermenting cacao beans improve chocolate?” Which is better, unfermented or fermented?

Fermentation is done to break down phytic acid which is a protective compound present in all nuts that helps to put together natural minerals in these nuts. Breaking it down is crucial for easier digestion and easier mineral absorption to the body.

Fermenting cacao beans also helps to improve flavor and aroma. Fermentation is also important in preserving cacao beans as it prevents the formation of molds and unwanted bacteria.

To preserve the cacao and the full nutrients, we use organic traditional ways of fermenting cacao. We fermented our cacao in banana leaves for at least 3 days before taking it for processing. Fermented cacao is rich in antioxidants.

Unfermented cacao is preferred by those who love chocolate with a mild flavor. Unfermented cacao also has a distinct aroma that is not as strong as that of fermented cacao. It is rich in antioxidants ‘

Both fermented and unfermented cacao beans are healthy. They both achieve their purposes and therefore it is up to you to decide. If you are looking for some chocolate with a strong flavor and aroma, then go for fermented cacao. It is commonly loved by bakers and brewers. On the other hand, if you are looking for cocoa not so strong maybe to mix with other naturally sweet ingredients, go for unfermented cacao. It is mostly used in smoothies, ice cream, and other sweet desserts.

We have both fermented and unfermented organic cacao to help meet your needs. Why don’t you make an order today?

GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ORGANIC CACAO MARKET

Although the organic cacao market takes a very small share of the total cacao, it is gradually increasing especially in the 3rd world countries. Organic cacao is that which is cultivated using environmentally friendly farming methods.

This type of cacao is the best for consumption as it gives 100% benefits of the product. Farmers are adopting production of organic cacao although their produce is not able to meet the demand in the market.

As much as there is a high demand for organic cacao, farmers often times end up remaining with their cacao at home due to lack of market. There is high competition from inorganic cacao which is sold at lower prices. Farmers also end up selling their cacao at the same prices as inorganic cacao to at least make ends meet. Those that value organic cacao, buy it for the right prices and as much as they are few, it motivates the farmers.

Organic cacao is packed with nutrients. Some of which include fiber, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium among others. It also contains antioxidants that help protect the human body generally, skin, hair, and nails.

There is a wide range of products you can get from buying cacao which is a really big plus for the buyer. You can get cocoa powder, cacao nibs, cocoa butter, and cocoa paste. Chocolate is under the cacao paste. Its diversity makes it ideal for use in many industries. Organic cacao can be used in bakeries, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, confectionaries, beauty industry, and beverage dispensers.

Health consciousness and need for premium product is what makes buyers prefer organic cacao. Directing focus to farmers who participate in organic cacao farming could help meet the demands in the market. Emerging markets can also be linked to the producers of organic cacao to create a win-win situation for both the farmer and the supplier.

At Tropical cacao, our main focus is to produce the most organic cacao to fill in the gap in the market and therefore giving consumers the best end-product. Why don’t you try us today?

HOW TO MAKE HOT BREWED COCOA

If you are looking for an alternative beverage to replace your coffee or tea, cocoa should be your choice. It is not only heathy but also the perfect fix for your mood. It also has a great flavor you won’t regret on.

To make hot brewed cocoa, you will need roasted cacao beans or cacao nibs. Cacao nibs are crushed and therefore easier to use. You can get roasted cacao beans and nibs from us. You can also buy raw beans and roast at the comfort of your home.

Here is a procedure you can follow to roast your cacao nibs:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Spread your cacao beans or nibs in a baking tray
  • Roast them in the oven for about 12 minutes or until they start smelling like brownies.
  • Remove the cacao nibs from the oven and let them cool.
  • To save some time, you can roast more cacao beans than you need at the moment
  • After they have cooled completely, pound them slowly to look like coarse coffee grounds.

After you have broken your cacao beans to manageable grounds, it’s time to make that hot drink. Just like your regular coffee, it is easy to make this golden drink. You will need your cocoa, water, and sweetener or creamer (optional).

  • Boil your water
  • Add the ground cacao nibs to the water
  • Allow them to mix while boiling for a minute
  • Remove from heat
  • Add your sweetener or creamer as desired

The amount of water and Cacao depends on how concentrated you want your drink. Adjust accordingly until you find your perfect mix. I use 1 tablespoon of cacao for 1 cup of water.

To enjoy the full benefits of cocoa, you need organic cacao. You will never miss on the flavor or heath benefits.