What are cocoa beans?
Cocoa beans are the nuts of the fruit of the cocoa tree. It grows in warm and humid places in Asia, Central and South America and Africa.
Cocoa beans are collected, dried and fermented for 1-2 weeks. Then they are roasted.
However, to preserve all their beneficial properties, cocoa beans are better left raw. In their raw state, cocoa beans contain many beneficial substances.
Beneficial properties of raw cocoa beans
Antidepressant properties
Cocoa beans are natural antidepressants. They contain dopamine, phenylethylamine and serotonin. They support mental health, affect mood, fight stress and depression, and have a beneficial effect on fatigue and low tonicity.
Antioxidant properties
As a strong antioxidant, this natural gift reduces the risk of cancer, regulates cholesterol and has a positive impact on the quality of life.
Effect on the brain
Improves blood circulation in those parts of the brain that are responsible for reactions and memory. Increases brain activity during the day and restful sleep at night.
Effect on the cardiovascular system
Cocoa beans contain polyphenols and magnesium, which is why they positively affect cardiac activity and maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, accelerate metabolism and thereby promote weight loss.
How to consume raw cocoa beans
It is recommended to consume a few raw cocoa beans for both adults and children. Their taste is slightly bitter, so it is good to rinse or soak them for 1-1.5 hours before consuming them.
- They can be crushed in a mortar and added to muesli, shakes or sprinkled on desserts;
- They can be made into raw candies or bars;
- They are suitable for adding to baked goods such as muffins and sponge cakes;
- A good option to mix with nuts and raisins, as well as dried fruits, to prepare an energy snack.
Recipe for chocolate spread with raw cocoa beans
Ingredients needed:
- 100 grams of hazelnuts
- 5 dates
- 4 cocoa beans
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 30 grams of cocoa butter
- 100 grams of water
Preparation:
Roast the hazelnuts for about 8 minutes at 150°C. Peel their husks after they have cooled.
The cocoa butter is melted in a water bath.
They are placed in a blender along with the cocoa, cocoa beans and dates. They are blended, until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. The cocoa butter is added and blended again. When it is ready, water is poured until the desired consistency is obtained. The finished homemade chocolate spread is poured into a jar and stored in the refrigerator.
Find out also why the price of cocoa is rising, as well as when to avoid cocoa.
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