Raw Cacao Recipes

Raw Cacao Recipe Collection – Tropical Cacao

Raw cacao, the purest form of chocolate, is a versatile superfood packed with antioxidants, minerals, and rich flavors. Whether you’re looking to create indulgent desserts, nourishing snacks, or a healthy twist to your favorite recipes, raw cacao is the perfect ingredient to elevate your culinary creations.

At Tropical Cacao, we’re passionate about showcasing the endless possibilities of raw cacao. That’s why we’ve curated this collection of easy and delicious recipes to inspire your next cacao adventure!

1. Raw Cacao Smoothie Bowl

Start your day with a burst of energy!

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
Toppings: granola, fresh fruit, shredded coconut, cacao nibs

Instructions:

Blend frozen bananas, raw cacao powder, almond milk, and peanut butter until smooth.
Pour into a bowl and top with granola, fruit, and cacao nibs.
Enjoy a nutrient-packed breakfast that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

2. Raw Cacao Energy Bites

Perfect for an on-the-go snack or pre-workout boost.

Ingredients:

1 cup dates (pitted)
1/2 cup raw almonds or walnuts
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds
A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

Blend dates and nuts in a food processor until sticky.
Add raw cacao powder, chia seeds, and salt. Blend again until combined.
Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container for a quick, healthy snack.

3. Raw Cacao Avocado Mousse

A creamy, guilt-free dessert!

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados
1/4 cup raw cacao powder
1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

Scoop avocado flesh into a blender or food processor.
Add raw cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Chill for 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh berries or cacao nibs.

4. Raw Cacao Granola Bars

A homemade treat packed with flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup raw cacao nibs
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Mix oats, cacao nibs, and sunflower seeds in a bowl.
In a small saucepan, heat honey and almond butter until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well.
Press into a parchment-lined baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Slice into bars and store in the fridge.

5. Raw Cacao Hot Chocolate

A warm, comforting drink with a healthy twist.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon coconut sugar or honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick

Instructions:

Heat almond milk in a saucepan until warm.
Whisk in raw cacao powder, coconut sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
Pour into a mug and enjoy the ultimate cozy drink.

Elevate Your Recipes with Tropical Cacao

Raw cacao offers endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re blending a smoothie, rolling energy bites, or savoring a rich mousse, each recipe showcases the unique flavor and health benefits of raw cacao.

At Tropical Cacao, we’re proud to provide high-quality, sustainably sourced raw cacao from our farms in Liberia. Explore our range of fermented and unfermented cacao to find the perfect match for your recipes.

Shop Now at TropicalCacao.com and Unleash Your Inner Chef!

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025

Beginner’s Guide to Cacao: From Bean to Bliss 🌱

Welcome to the World of Pure Cacao!

Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of real cacao? Whether you’re a health enthusiast, an aspiring chocolatier, or simply curious about this ancient superfood, this guide will transform you from a cacao novice to a knowledgeable enthusiast. 🍫

What Makes Cacao Special? ✨

Imagine discovering chocolate in its purest, most potent form. That’s cacao! Harvested from the magnificent Theobroma cacao tree (which means “food of the gods”), cacao beans are nature’s gift to chocolate lovers and health enthusiasts alike.

Understanding Your Cacao Options 🌿

Raw Cacao Powder

The most versatile form of cacao, this finely ground powder packs a powerful punch of nutrients and rich chocolate flavor. It’s your gateway to cacao goodness, perfect for smoothies, baking, and hot drinks.

Cacao Nibs

Think of these as nature’s chocolate chips! These crushed cacao beans offer a delightful crunch and intense chocolate flavor without added sugar. They’re perfect for sprinkling on everything from smoothie bowls to baked goods.

Cacao Butter

The creamy, rich fat extracted from cacao beans, this ivory-colored butter is essential for making chocolate and adds luxurious moisture to beauty products.

Getting Started with Cacao 🚀

First Steps

Start with small amounts – cacao is potent! Begin with:

1 teaspoon of raw cacao powder in your morning smoothie
A light sprinkle of cacao nibs on your yogurt
A warming cup of hot cacao (like hot chocolate, but better!)

Taste and Texture Guide 👅

Raw Cacao: Intense, slightly bitter, with deep chocolate notes
Cacao Nibs: Crunchy, nutty, with a pure chocolate flavor
Cacao Butter: Smooth, rich, with subtle chocolate undertones

Health Benefits You’ll Love ❤️

Pure cacao is packed with goodness:

Rich in antioxidants for cellular health
It contains natural mood enhancers
Provides sustained energy
Offers minerals like magnesium and iron
Supports heart health

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness 🌟

Keep your cacao fresh and potent:

Store in an airtight container
Keep away from direct sunlight
Avoid moisture and heat
Use within 12 months for best flavor

Common Beginner Questions Answered 💭

“Is cacao bitter?”

Yes, pure cacao has a natural bitterness. Start with small amounts and combine with natural sweeteners like dates or honey until your palate adjusts.

“Can I use it in baking?”

Absolutely! Replace cocoa powder with raw cacao in any recipe. Remember, it’s more potent, so you might need less.

“Will it give me energy?”

Yes, but not like coffee. Cacao provides smooth, sustained energy without the jitters, thanks to its unique combination of nutrients and natural compounds.

Simple Starter Recipes 🥄

Morning Bliss Smoothie

Blend:

1 banana
1 cup plant-based milk
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1 date for sweetness
A handful of ice

Easy Energy Bites

Mix:

1 cup dates
1/2 cup nuts of choice
2 tablespoons cacao powder
Pinch of sea salt
Roll into balls and enjoy!

Tips for Success 🌺

Start slow and build up
Listen to your body
Experiment with different forms
Combine with healthy fats for better absorption
Don’t be afraid to adjust recipes to your taste

Quality Matters 🎯

When choosing cacao, look for:

Organic certification
Fairtrade practices
Pure ingredients (no additives)
Proper packaging
Reputable suppliers

Final Thoughts 🌟

Welcome to the wonderful world of cacao! Remember, everyone’s journey is different. Take time to explore, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering this amazing superfood.

Starting your cacao journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin with small steps, stay curious, and let your taste buds guide you. Before you know it, you’ll be a cacao connoisseur, creating your own recipes and sharing your knowledge with others.

Happy cacao exploring! 🍫✨

Remember: Pure cacao is a potent superfood. Start with small amounts and gradually increase as your body adapts to its powerful properties.

August 6, 2022August 6, 2022

CACAO POWDER VS COCOA POWDER

Most people will never differentiate cacao from cocoa. Well, that is okay but as chocolate lovers, I have made it intentional to feed us with knowledge about this great product. Although there is not much about the topic on the discussion today, you will get one or two points to carry home.

Although cacao and cocoa powders are by-products of the seeds of the cacao tree (Theobroma), there is a difference in the way they are processed. In the previous articles, I have told you how cocoa powder is formed. The cacao beans are fermented, dried, and roasted under high temperatures. After that, the hulls are removed, and then they are pressed to form the chocolate liquor. they are further pressed to extract cocoa butter and the powder that is left is what is called cocoa powder. Cacao powder undergoes an almost similar procedure but skips the roasting part. The cacao beans are cold pressed to separate the cacao butter from cacao solids. These solids are then ground to form cacao powder. The major difference is therefore on the processing procedures. Cacao powder is pressed under low temperatures while cocoa powder is pressed under high temperatures

The cacao powder is ground and sifted retaining most of the nutrients, enzymes, and minerals. Cocoa powder on the other hand loses most of its nutrients, minerals, and enzymes when pressed under high temperatures. Cacao powder is therefore considered “raw” and better for consumption.

The other difference between these two is the taste. Cacao powder is more bitter than cocoa powder. This again is because of the processing procedures. Cacao powder is however preferred as it is more natural and offers more nutritional benefits.

The chocolate flavor that cacao powder has is deeper than in cocoa powder and this is why most bakers prefer cacao powder. It is rich in flavor and deeper in color.

The cocoa powder loses its power as a superfood when it undergoes processing under high temperatures. Some processing companies also add sweeteners to cocoa powder. Cacao powder is left raw and this allows it to retain all its nutrients and therefore considered a “SUPERFOOD” That doesn’t mean that cocoa powder doesn’t have health benefits, it has. If you visit the grocery store and miss on cacao powder, take cocoa powder. It will work perfectly as a substitute.

However, this is why I prefer cacao powder over cocoa powder;

Cacao powder is full of antioxidants. Cacao has been proven to contain more antioxidants even more than blueberries. Antioxidants prevent diseases and help all the vital organs in the body function better.
Cacao powder is a mood enhancer. You remember those stories about the Aztecs and how they used cacao to make ceremonial drinks right? Raw cacao powder has compounds that help to relieve the body from anxiety and lift your mood.

If you like leveraging raw organic products as I do, then it’s definite that you will go for cacao powder. At tropical cacao, we ensure the consumers get the best quality, most organic, and benefits-packed cacao. Contact us

July 4, 2022July 4, 2022

5 BEST WAYS TO USE CACAO POWDER

Let’s talk about the ceremonial grade cacao. This is the organic cacao we grow at Tropical Cacao and not the generic cacao powder you get from the grocery store. Ceremonial-grade cacao is 100% pure and rich in nutrients. So, how do you use cacao at home? There are so many ways in which you can use cacao but in this recipe, I will focus on 5 of my favorites. Read on!

BODY AND FACE ANTI-AGING SCRUB

If you are struggling with dead skin you will thank me after this. Cacao is packaged with anti-aging benefits. Using this simple cacao body scrub recipe will leave your skin nourished and feeling young.

Mix 1 tablespoon of cacao powder
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of honey.
Smear the mixture on your face and body and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Rub your skin gently for 5 more minutes.
Wash off with warm water and a clean washcloth.
Follow that with your favorite moisturizer. Enjoy the feeling!

SAVORY SEASONING FOR MEAT

I don’t understand why your steak and roasts are so “plain” and you are doing nothing about it! Let me help you anyway.

Add 2 tablespoons of instant finely ground coffee
1 tablespoon of cacao powder.
½ tablespoon of cinnamon.
1 tablespoon of salt
2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Mix well
Rub it on your meat
Grill or cook as desired

HOT CACAO DRINK

Cacao gives that “feel good” vibe, remember? Now imagine taking it every morning! Premium happiness throughout the day! There is a Swahili proverb that says, “Siku njema huonekana asubuhi” it simply means, a good day is seen/appears in the morning. I cannot think of a better way to start your day other than with a frothy cacao drink. Here is my recipe for a good day:

Add a cup of milk (use any type of milk) Almond milk gives the best results though.
½ cup of water
3 tablespoons of cacao
2 tablespoons of honey
Mix

Enjoy your creamy grade drink with your favorite accompaniments.

BAKING

If you like cakes, muffins, and brownies then you need good cacao in your pantry. That rich chocolate flavor takes your pastries from 1 to 10 really quick! There are versatile ways to make chocolate pastries and I will give you the assignment to find out about them.

HOT CHOCOLATE SYRUP

I don’t know if you have been to an ice cream shop and you can’t help but stare at the mouth-watering delicacies! Especially those with chocolate toppings. Well, I was there too until I learned how to make the chocolate syrup I’m about to teach you. It’s easy to make and can be used as a topping for all your desserts.

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon ground cacao powder
½ tablespoon salt
Mix
½ cup cold water
Whisk until smooth
Heat the chocolate mixture until it boils
Stir occasionally while allowing it to simmer for at least 3 minutes
Remove from heat
Add vanilla and stir
Serve warm and allow it to cool
You can also save some in the fridge for later use!
The thicker you want your chocolate syrup, the longer you will let it boil.

After that entire discovery, thanks to me and my research, you are now probably thinking of buying some cocoa to keep in your pantry and use. WE GOT YOU! What other place is better to buy organic cacao, cultivated using the best environmentally friendly methods other than at www.tropicalcacao.com?

June 19, 2022June 23, 2022

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU GET FROM CACAO?

You have assumingly been wondering why I keep telling you about cacao. I get that. Cocoa has a variety of products plus a heap of health benefits. I don’t want any of my readers to miss that. That’s why in this article, I introduce you to the products you get from our cacao.

CACAO BEANS

When the cacao tree grows, pods start growing from the tree. These pods are called cacao pods. Inside the cacao pods, you find the cacao fruit and seeds. These seeds are what are referred to as cocoa beans. All chocolate comes from these cacao beans. Cacao fruit is fermented, and then dried. It is later used for cocoa solids (nibs), and cacao butter.

CACAO NIBS

When the cacao beans are separated from their husks and broken into small chunks/bits you find the cocoa nibs. Cacao nibs is chocolate in its most natural state. They are bitter-tasting actual pieces of the cacao bean. Cocoa nibs are packed with phytonutrients hence the name “superfoods” There are various ways to use cacao nibs.

CACAO POWDER

Oil is cold-pressed out of the cocoa nibs to form a dense dry mass packaged with nutrients. This mass is thereafter grounded into fine powder which is known as the cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is packaged with fiber, a fair amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals such as manganese, zinc, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and selenium among others.

CACAO BUTTER

Do you wonder where and how chocolate gets the unique “mouth feel” taste? Cacao butter! Cocoa butter is the edible, stable, and pure vegetable fat that is cold-pressed from cacao beans. It melts at room temperature and in some cases just below normal human temperature. It is used to make toiletries, pharmaceuticals, beauty and hair products, and some ointments. It is loved for its flavor and aroma. Cacao butter is also known as Theobroma oil.

CHOCOLATE LIQUOR

Chocolate liquor is formed when the cocoa beans are pressed under pressure and then turned into liquid at over 100 degrees (F). This chocolate paste/cocoa liquor then hardens in a solid or semi-solid mold. chocolate liquor has cocoa butter and solids in equal proportions.

Every cocoa processing factory should use cacao that is organic. We want to produce only Cacao that has been grown using the best environment-friendly farming practices. That way the end-users can experience quality, non-toxic end products. That is why we, at Tropical Cacao, stand in the gap to give you the best quality well-grown Cocoa. Contact us.