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Cacao has a reputation as a popular superfood with a myriad of health and spiritual benefits. But is all cacao the same? Will a powdered cacao give you the same buzz and benefits as a ground ceremonial block and vice versa? Let’s dive in and find out!
Though seemingly akin, powdered cacao and ground cecemonial cacao are actually substantially different!
From the processing through to the nutritional value, the medicinal and spiritual benefits, and finally the application and usage – it’s clear that not all cacao is alike!
Powdered cacao is the outcome of more extensive processing, which sees the beans go through multiple procedures. The most important being hydraulic pressing to extract the cacao butter. The solid cacao mass that is left is then ground into a powder. The nutritional value of the cacao is diminished by the high pressures and temperatures needed to extract the cacao butter from the cacao mass. And of course, the loss of the butter itself!
Ground cacao on the other hand is produced by grinding the whole bean which includes the cacao butter and solids. Grinding is done at low speeds, so the temperature of the cacao doesn’t rise much above room temperature. This conserves the flavour, as well as the nutritive content.
Processing impacts the natural, nutritional value of the cacao. Powdered cacao has lower levels of antioxidants and flavonoids due to their susceptibility to heat. With the significantly lower temperatures used, ground cacao maintains its innate benefits. It also contains more cacao butter, which as a healthy fat is a wonderful addition to our long-term wellbeing.
The conservation of natural compounds in ground cacao means it maintains more of its unique gifts. These support not only physical wellness, but also enhance mental clarity, emotional balance and spiritual connection. Ground cacao is, therefore, perfect for use in sacred ceremony and ritual to open the heart, awaken intuition and heighten the meditation experience.
Powdered cacao is mostly used for the convenience of baking or any recipe where a fine powder is needed. Giving a smoother texture and a less overwhelming flavour. Ground cacao has a stronger, richer flavour – and with its more unrefined nature it is perfect for raw treats, hot chocolate and ceremonial cacao beverages. It can also highlight in the odd savoury meal to add depth!
Whether you choose powdered cacao or ground cacao really depends on what you are using the cacao for. However, if you desire to maximise nutritional, medicinal, and spiritual properties; wish for a more full-bodied flavour or seek a more authentic cacao experience, then ground cacao is the way to go. And our Sacred Earth Medicine Ground Ceremonial Cacao is the perfect choice!
It’s the second harvest festival and themes of balance and harmony inspire this moment on the Wheel of the Year.
Is all cacao the same? Will a powder give you the same buzz and benefits as a ground block and vice versa?
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