The food world seems to be coming full circle. Our grandparents used whole, fresh ingredients to prepare meals and snacks, but as the world had begun to change, people began substituting fresh foods for convenience foods. That means that most of the people of my generation have grown up with foods laden with preservatives and added chemicals. Foods taste completely different than they did in our grandparents' time, as we have foregone flavor and nutrition for convenience and ease. Fortunately, many people are once again resurrecting the use of whole, fresh foods. There is a growing circle of awareness regarding superfoods and raw foods which are not only better for us, but are better tasting. Among these superfoods is cacao butter.
What Is Cacao Butter?
You could say it is the stuff dreams are made of, but that isn't totally correct. Cacao butter is what white chocolate is made from. It comes from the oils of the cocoa bean which have been gently heated to a fairly low temperature (typically no more than 120 degrees), at which point the oils begin to separate from the bean. The oils are then molded and cooled, and the result is a creamy, rich superfood known as cacao butter. This amazingly creamy, naturally sweet butter is shelf stable for up to a year, and has a fairly low melting point (98 degrees), which makes it an excellent addition to a smoothie, ice cream, or any other treat.
What Is The Difference Between Cacao Butter And Cocoa Butter?
Both cacao butter and cocoa butter begin the same way. Cocoa butter is actually heated to a high temperature, whereas cacao butter is not. The difference is in the end product: cacao is more pure with a higher number of antioxidants. The raw flavor and texture remains intact without needing to add chemicals or stabilizers to retain the integrity of the cacao butter. Cocoa butter, on the other hand, often requires stabilizers once it is heated beyond a certain temperature.
What Are The Benefits Of Cacao Butter?
This superfood has a number of uses. It can be used as a moisturizer for skin and hair to soothe and nourish moisture-depleted hair and skin. Because it is a stable fat, it makes an excellent moisturizer with a long shelf life without fear of becoming rancid. For those who would rather eat this silky treat, there are a number of health benefits as well. It has been shown to improve memory, mood, and boost immunity. Because it is 100% plant based, this natural vegetable butter is also vegan friendly as well as Kosher. It can be added to cocoa powder and agave nectar to create your own healthier chocolate confections without added chemicals or preservatives.
Look for 100% pure Cacao butter that is organically grown and contains no added preservatives or chemical stabilizers. This makes for a wonderful raw superfood with hundreds of uses. From moisturizing to eating, this natural vegetable fat remains stable at room temperature and offers a low melting point, making it a desirable additive to both hot and cold sweet treats. Aside from its wonderful texture, taste, and aroma, cacao butter is one of nature's superfoods with amazing antioxidant properties.
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