Understanding Organic Vegan Cacao and Chocolate
Organic vegan cacao is derived from the seeds of the cacao tree. This popular little bean has been enjoyed for centuries by various civilizations and is at the center of healing ceremonies worldwide. Just like other organic products, organic chocolate is produced without any use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers ever coming in contact with the cacao bean. This means you can savor the rich flavors of chocolate without any unwanted toxins lingering around!
We also want our cacao to be ethical and sourced in a way that contributes to the planet and the people. Ethical cacao is cultivated on cocoa farms with sustainable farming practices, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and the well-being of farmers. Our cacao is sourced by a small community of farmers in Peru, so when you buy cacao from companies like Cacao Cult, you’re contributing to a positive impact on the local families as well as the environmental footprint.
"By choosing organic vegan cacao, you are making a conscious choice to support a healthier planet."
How We Make The Chocolate
It all starts in Peru with the delicate fermentation of cacao beans, where the cacao beans develop their distinct flavors. This crucial step sets the foundation for the rich flavors we all know and love here at Cacao Cult!
When the beans are fermented, we carefully dry the cacao beans to reduce moisture. This is essential for ensuring the beans' longevity and preventing the growth of mold or bacteria. As the beans are drying, we check back to see the process every day to pick them at their peak, which is usually between 5-10 days. Once we see our beans are dry to perfection, we take out our equipment to turn the beans into a cocoa mass. This paste is the pure essence of chocolate, containing both cocoa solids and cocoa butter. The cocoa mass undergoes another process to separate the cocoa solids from the cocoa butter, resulting in the two main components of chocolate.
This is where our creative (and really fun!) part starts - blending the cocoa solids and cocoa butter with natural flavors. Here is where our entire team taps into their inner child and starts playing chemist, mixing different amazing ingredients together to create our dark chocolate hearts or vegan truffle cakes. We make sure the flavors are well-balanced and harmonious, providing a delightful sensory experience with every bite.
The Nutritional Profile of Organic Vegan Cacao and Chocolate
Did you know cacao is actually a superfood? It’s packed with essential nutrients like fiber, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. These mighty compounds help protect your cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals and may even contribute to a youthful glow.As if that weren’t enough, cacao also contains a variety of beneficial plant compounds and fiber, such as:
- Flavonoids have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease
- Theobromine is a natural stimulant that can provide a gentle energy boost without the jitters associated with caffeine.
- Fiber helps maintain a healthy digestive system and can help prevent constipation and weight management.
Caloric and Macronutrient Breakdown of Vegan Chocolate
Now, let's talk about chocolate being a guilt-free pleasure! Unlike mainstream chocolate, organic vegan chocolate can actually be a part of a healthy diet. The difference is all in the macronutrients, where mainstream chocolate is filled with nutrient-poor ingredients, most organic cacao contains nutrient-rich ingredients. Cacao produced in low temperatures (like Cacao Cult chocolate) actually preserves almost 100% of the nutrients found in the cocoa bean. This translates to a lower caloric content than the mainstream dairy-filled counterparts. It also provides healthy fats that are beneficial for your brain function.
One of the key macronutrients found in vegan chocolate is fat. While some may shy away from fats, it's important to note that not all fats are created equal. Vegan chocolate often contains heart-healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. That’s why bulletproof coffees took over the world by storm, and as fellow vegans know: we weren’t invited to that party... But with vegan cacao butter, you can make your own superfood, vegan, bulletproof coffee with even more nutrients than the original version. If coffee isn’t your thing (did you read about our coffee experiment?), then go ahead and fuel up your brainpower with some organic vegan chocolate during your next lunch break or before a big meeting!
Health Benefits of Organic Vegan Cacao and Chocolate
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Antioxidant Properties of Cacao
Get ready to give your body a boost of antioxidants with cacao! These powerful compounds found in cacao help fight inflammation and protect your cells from oxidative stress. So not only will you be satisfying your chocolate cravings, but you'll also be giving yourself a healthy dose of self-care. - Heart Health
Some studies have suggested that the flavonoids present in cacao can promote healthy blood circulation and support cardiovascular health. - Mood-Boosting Effects
Feeling a little down? It's time to turn to the magical powers of cacao. This delightful treat contains compounds that promote the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and endorphins.
Environmental Impact of Organic Vegan Cacao Production
Still not convinced that organic cacao is the way to go? Let’s talk about the environmental effects that our lovely non-gmo cacao has!
Most organic cacao productions involve sustainable farming practices, and this is something Cacao Cult takes very seriously! Our cacao comes from incredible humans working their lands in Peru! Together we support them staying on their lands (not having to look for jobs in the city) and supporting the planet through productions that conserve water and preserve biodiversity.
Incorporating Organic Cacao and Chocolate into Your Diet
There are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating organic vegan cacao and chocolate into your diet. From heavenly chocolate smoothies to decadent desserts, the world of healthy chocolate recipes will satisfy your taste buds and keep your sweet tooth happy.
Did someone say a bank of vegan recipes with our healthy cacao? Yes, please! We’ll be rolling out the recipes and sending them out in our newsletter, if you haven’t signed up yet do so now to make sure you won't miss any delicious recipes!
