Organic Criollo Cocoa Beans RAW

Organic Criollo cocoa beans are oval dark brown seeds or chocolate nuts that grow on the chocolate or cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao. Cocoa solids are obtained from cocoa beans, which are made up of fat-free components and cocoa butter. The bean, from the Amazon rainforest, is a key ingredient in chocolate production and finds its place in a variety of delicacies, including the traditional Mexican drink tejates. But their value is not limited to satisfying your sweet tooth. This modest bean offers many advantages and a wide range of uses, which include not only culinary but also medical and even ceremonial purposes.

Ceremonial and cultural uses – in some cultures, cocoa has been used in religious ceremonies and rituals and in traditional healing practices. Cocoa trees were considered a sacred plant. Criollo cocoa beans are a rare cocoa group. It accounts for only 1% of world cocoa production. Native to Venezuela and Colombia, but nowadays also grown in Mexico, Peru, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. Criollo cocoa was considered by the Mayans to be the food of the gods. It is difficult to get a good yield from this variety because the trees are very sensitive to adverse external factors.

Cocoa beans are rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids. These compounds help fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Flavonoids in cocoa have been shown to protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Flavanols in cocoa can also improve circulation, lower blood pressure and even reduce the risk of stroke. Cocoa contains serotonin precursors and phenylethylamine, which may have mood-enhancing effects. It is often associated with love, happiness and a sense of relaxation. Regular consumption of cocoa improves the condition of the cardiovascular system.

Cocoa is a source of essential minerals such as magnesium, iron and potassium. Magnesium plays a particularly important role in muscle and nerve function, bone health and energy storage.

It may sound strange, but cocoa can be a useful ally in weight management. It is relatively low in sugar and can help satisfy chocolate cravings without the extra calories.

Attention! Cocoa beans naturally contain caffeine, which can cause anxiety and insomnia if consumed in excess. Some people may experience digestive upsets, such as bloating or diarrhoea, if they consume large amounts of high-fibre cocoa. However, in rare cases, people may be allergic to cocoa and experience symptoms such as skin rashes or itching.

Use of cocoa beans: Cocoa beans are famously used in the production of chocolate. The beans are harvested, fermented, dried, roasted and ground to produce cocoa mass, cocoa butter and cocoa powder, which are the building blocks of chocolate products. The cocoa beans are crunchy and soft at the same time, so they are easy to chew. They can also be crushed or ground into a powder that can be used in cooking. Roasted cocoa beans are less bitter. Cocoa beans can be used to make cocoa powder, which is used to make hot cocoa and a variety of chocolate flavoured drinks. When baking, you can also use cocoa powder in addition to cocoa nibs to give your cookies or cakes a rich chocolate flavour.

Sources:

https://www.onegreenplanet.org,

https://www.webmd.com

NB! The information provided here should not be interpreted as a recommendation for treatment or other types of health problems. We encourage you to make personal health decisions after evaluating different sources of information.