Coffee has been the favourite morning drink of many across the world. In Australia, almost 19 million people drink at least one cup of coffee a day and nearly 37 million kilograms a year, making it one of the most popular beverages in the country. However, the world is missing out on one outstanding drink that could rival coffee, brewed cacao.
Â
Read on to know more about cacao and how it is a better choice than coffee to fuel your day.
The Origin of Cacao
Cacao was first discovered in Mexico, but it also grows in the Amazon lowland rainforests and Orinoco river basins. The process of turning these seeds or beans for human consumption and in rituals has been traced back to Olmecs, Mayans and Aztecs, with the last two being credited with fermenting, drying and roasting cacao.
Â
Nowadays, cacao is being used for several purposes and enjoyed by many.
Common Uses of Cacao
Sweets
This is the first thing that comes to mind when ‘cacao’ is mentioned. It can be used for baking cake, brownies and other forms of dessert. It is also being turned into bars of chocolate like milk, white and dark ones. Additionally, if you want some sweet spread for your bread, there are cacao-based products out there.
Butter
Cacao butter is the result of removing pure fat from cacao through processing. However, it is usually more expensive than other types of butter.
Beverage
Aside from being turned into sweet treats, cacao is also known for being the source of good drinks. Some examples are:
Brewed Cacao
Compared to cocoa powder, which has been transformed by removing the butter, brewed cacao is being used in its purest form. The beans are roasted and grounded in a similar way to coffee beans. The resulting powder has a dark chocolate taste with low caffeine and without calories, fat or sugar.
If you want to try some brewed cacao, try our products here.
Â
Chocolate Milk and Hot Chocolate
This is a delicious drink that is full of nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and antioxidants. It is a product of mixing cocoa powder with milk, sugar and thickeners.
Â
Rituals
Going back to its cultural roots, cacao played a significant role in ceremonies or rituals. Back in the time of the Mayans, it was used as currency, offerings to deities and funeral observances. In modern times, it is being used to connect with nature and yourself.
A Closer Look: Coffee Vs Brewed Cacao
Although they may seem similar at first, there are huge differences between coffee and brewed cacao.
Â
Source
Coffee likes being in highlands with cooler nights and has good shade. On the other hand, cacao prefers rich soils in lower areas with warm temperatures and access to sunlight.
Â
Brewing
Pure cacao can be brewed the same way as normal coffee beans (like using a French press), but steeping may take longer if you want to get better results.
Â
Caffeine
Coffee has significantly higher caffeine content than cacao. Per cup, coffee has approximately 95 mg of caffeine, while cacao only has 15 mg.
Â
Acidity
Cacao has less acid than coffee (usually around 6.4 to 6.8 pH level), which makes it perfect for those with digestive issues who want to enjoy a delicious boost in the morning.
Why You Should Switch to Brewed Cacao
A Healthier Alternative
Cacao has a lot of benefits for your health. According to the Nutrition Council of Australia, cacao is packed with nutritional content that can help with fighting diseases and mood issues.
If you want a drink that will provide you with the boost that you need in the morning, brewed cacao is capable of encouraging the production of anandamide (a ‘bliss chemical’) and regulating other neurotransmitters. It is also full of antioxidants that are 20 times more than what blueberries have. Antioxidants aid in neutralising free radicals and toxins, thereby helping us prevent or fight various diseases.Â
In addition, cacao is rich in plant-based iron and has no sugar.
Other health benefits of cacao are:
- Heart protection
- Promotes digestive health
- Lower risk of diabetes and dementia.
Helps in Losing Weight and ExerciseÂ
If you want to lose weight, brewed cacao can help lessen your appetite and aid your diet because it has no sugar and calories. Cacao also encourages muscle recovery after a workout.
Improves Your Mood
Compared to coffee that has high levels of caffeine, cacao has more theobromine, which promotes a positive mood. This can help you be more productive without feeling shaky or tired after a couple of hours.
Â
Has Less Caffeine
Brewed cacao has less caffeine, which makes it a great alternative for coffee.
Â
By switching your morning drink, you can avoid some health problems related to caffeine, such as:
- Worsens osteoporosis due to its diuretic effect
- Liver damage (when mixed with Paracetamol or Tylenol)
- Increases blood pressure and cholesterol
- Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Headache.
Â
It Tastes Great
If you do not want to say goodbye to the bitterness of coffee, brewed cacao can offer the same kind with a little twist. It tastes like melted dark chocolate and you can mix other things depending on your preference.
Experience the Natural Goodness of Cacao Through Frido Cacao
Do you want to switch out your coffee?
Â
Frido Cacao offers fresh and organic cacao that is imported from local farmers located in Chiapas and Tabasco, Mexico. Our cacao is grown in agroforests where the nutrients of the surrounding fruits, flowers and spices help keep the land rich and produce high-quality cacao.
Â
We also offer cacao nibs, as well as traditional tools like mixers and bowls that will help you reconnect better with nature. Contact us for more details.
