Food of the Gods

Cacao Nibs: Criollo Variety

What am I?
Cacao beans are the raw ingredient that all chocolate is made from. Originating in Central America, Cacao beans were so revered by ancient cultures they were used as money, so for these people money really did grow on trees! Cacao is the most complex food substance on earth.

 ‘Creative Nature’ Cacao Nibs, voted ‘Best Organic Product of 2007’ undergo thorough quality checks. Our Cacao Nibs are raw (to keep the nutritional qualities alive.) We therefore undertake microbiological tests to ensure they are safe for human consumption.
This test shows that Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomonas, Aeruginoses, Escherichia Coli and Salmonella are all 100% absent from all our raw Cacao products.

Please be aware that lesser Cacao products, particularly those produced from the 
“Forastero” variety which is a widely used yet inferior bean to the ‘Criollo’ Bean may be contaminated by bacteria and fungi. Such beans, unlike ‘Creative Nature’ Criollo beans should never be eaten raw.

What’s in me?
• Containing over 300 identifiable chemical compounds
• An abundance of natural anti-stress, anti-depressant and bliss inducing compounds, including Serotonin, Tryptophan, Anandamide, Dopamine and PEA.
• Cacao is also extremely rich in magnesium.
• Raw Cacao is approximately 4000% higher in antioxidants than blueberries.

What can I be used for?
• The antioxidant capacity of chocolate is well known, however the tradition of making chocolate with dairy inhibits these antioxidants. Because 'Raw' Cacao Nibs do not contain any dairy, the antioxidant capacity is greatly enhanced.

• Cacao is high in Magnesium which is known to increase the overall vigour of the heart muscle and decreases blood coagulation which lowers blood pressure and helps the heart pump more effectively, reducing the likelihood of blood clots and strokes.
• Magnesium also balances brain chemistry and increases brainpower; it helps to create strong bowel movements, reduces menstrual cramping, relaxes muscles, increases flexibility, helps to build strong bones and increases alkalinity within the body helping to open up over 300 different detoxification and elimination pathways.

• In ancient times Cacao drinks were consumed after taking ceremonial hallucinogens like 'magic mushrooms' it is thought that Cacao contains MAO Inhibitors which prevent the body from breaking down the bliss inducing neurotransmitters like serotonin. This may be why when you eat raw Cacao one experiences feelings of bliss.
  
  How much of me should you take?
  As much as you like - Cacao has a slightly bitter taste on its own but if mixed with something sweet such as a Banana, Bee Pollen or Goji Berries the unmistakable taste of strong dark chocolate begins to reveal itself.
  Sprinkle onto cereal, yogurts, deserts, blend into a smoothie or simply nibble on the nibs.