Cacao GOLD Powder
Did you Know?
We're not just healthy, pretty faces here at PSF - we watch the world situation carefully to try to predetermine any supply interruptions - the persistent drought in the Amazon and the Ivory Coast civil war caught our attention 10 months ago, so we immediately started searching for another quality Cacao Powder source, so as not to disappoint our loyal customers - & we're confident we succeeded deliciously! We now have the Peruvian supplier (paper bag) back on the shelf, but please enjoy this decadent new opportunity while you can.
FAQ's
1. Is it raw? Yes! And gluten-free, vegan, & super delicious too!2. Why the glitzy packaging?? To differentiate this high-end luxury Ecuadorian product from all the rest!
3. What about the nutritional content?? Similar - and with a comparable magnesium content, a naturally richer cocoa butter content, AND it actually also has a higher protein count! (remember that protein/aminos are one of the first nutrients denatured by heat)
4. Is it fairly traded? Even better! Our Ecuadorian partners are true social revolutionaries, re-investing part profits into bettering their compatriots lives thru multiple, local, ingenious initiatives (see text at left)
5. Will I like it as much as the other one I usually buy from you? The feedback has been FANTASTIC - so aromatic, so smooth on the tongue, so freaking delicious -- we think Cacao GOLD makes the best chocolatey treats EVER, and our loyal customers and expanding waistlines seem to agree... LOL
6. Why was this Cacao bean variety almost rendered extinct?? Because like many indigenous or endemic plants, they're often ripped out and replanted for the sake of a few 'safe' or 'convenient' varieties, that like most 'factory farmed' hybrids, tend to have no real taste or smell, but give a high yield. It was only through careful collection of seed in patches of remnant forests, then a concerted seedling raising effort that it was resurrected sufficiently for commercial crops to resume from it - lucky you!
Donating To
2011: www.thingreenline.info
Facts
Here's a delicious mouthful to wrap your tongue around - "Cacao Nacional Arriba Fino de Aroma" - the name of this heritage Cacao Bean variety found only around Ecuador (a country justifiably famous for their chocolate products). The strong Aussie dollar allows us to bring you this previously unaffordable decadence - 100% pure certified organic raw Cacao Powder from a rare heritage Ecuadorian cacao bean - revitalized from likely extinction. Growing near the equator results in a unique photosynthesis, accounting for its impressive nutritional content, deeper colour/aroma/flavour AND a naturally richer cocoa butter content gives this luxury Cacao Powder a smoother texture on the tongue. Mmmmmmmm... we all deserve this decadence!Nutritional Benefits
By now, everyone must have heard the many advantages of dark chocolate consumption, rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, protein and minerals like zinc, calcium, chromium, iron, potassium and magnesium - but here's another advantage with this very unique product. We are very proud that our Ecuadorian partners are applauded internationally for having taken a giant leap beyond just trading fairly and paying guaranteed premium crop prices direct to farmers... their compatriots reap brilliant long term benefits through our supplier's generous re-investment of part profits back into community development projects over there including:1. award winning conservation initiatives (tree nurseries for sustainable co-planting of endangered rainforest species)
2. ingenious environmental programs (like replacing toxic disposables with solar rechargeable batteries in areas without reliable electricity)
3. developing organic technical education and Special Needs curriculums for area schools (largely unavailable, yet desperately needed)
So a big round of applause for these true social revolutionaries!!
Suggested Uses
So many different & delicious ways to enjoy! For example, use like cocoa powder in desserts, cookie batter, muffins, drinks, chocolate creations, raw foodie treats, smoothies, or sprinkle over ice cream, yoghurt, cheesecake, coffee or hot chocolate... feel free to experiment and become your own gourmet master chef! (Note: 15g = 1 heaped TBSP approximately)Recipes
A Chocoholic's Dream - Homemade Chocolate
1. Slowly melt 100g Cacao Butter in a saucepan at very low heat2. Add 150g sifted Coconut Palm Sugar (or 100g honey, agave, or other sweetener)
3. Stir for 2 minutes, then add 200mL Coconut Cream (or Coconut Milk)
4. Turn up heat slightly, stirring constantly until Coconut Palm Sugar dissolves
5. Add 100g sifted Cacao GOLD Powder slowly in small amounts while stirring constantly
6. Once Powder is completely dissolved, stir on very low heat for a further 2 minutes.
7. Add another 200mL Coconut Cream, stirring until very creamy and smooth, remove from heat.
8. Continue stirring for a few minutes while it cools slightly, then pour into a small-ish shallow, flat container (our Cacao Butter tub is perfect when empty!)
9. Store in fridge, insert knife to break in chunks when ready to gorge!!!!!!
(Thanks to our former resident chocolate junkie SW for this tried & tested recipe - bon voyage!)