What is the diff between cocoa and cacao?

[vivctfem27]

Are they both raw? Which one has more nutrition? Which on is more chocolaty? THanks

[earth_sista]

cacao is raw and cocoa is not :D

cacao is far superior, if you ask me :)

[Shell]

Hi! This excerpt is taken from the 'Wilderness Family Naturals' website:

"Cacao is the bean that chocolate is made from. In its raw state, it contains many chemicals that enhance physical and mental well-being, including an incredibly rich supply of magnesium. Other essential minerals present in Cacao are calcium, zinc, iron, copper and potassium. Cacao also contains more antioxidant flavonoids than red wine, green tea and blueberries."

Regular, supermarket bought cocoa is heated, and typically goes through a process called 'Dutch Processing', which destroys all of the anti-oxidants. So really, you'll get the chocolate taste with cocoa, but not the benefits.

I adore raw cacao....I find it has a deliciously chocolatey flavour, and you can't beat the benefits!

Vive le chocolat!!

[vivctfem27]

I have seen in those raw places that sell say that their cocoa is raw,Cocoa Powder (raw, organic), so this is not something to try to consume then? Better to get the cacao nibs and grind them up? Thanks for explaining.

[lanettasmouse]

this is directly from naturalzing.com and i have ordered from them before and they are a very good source for lots of raw foods. this is taken off the section of cocoa powder

Cocoa powder, raw and organic and incredible.


We are proud to announce our long awaited truly raw certified organic cocoa powder. Natural Zing’s cocoa powder is made by cold-pressing our highest quality organic raw cacao beans into a cake, which separates the oil from the protein and fiber, making a dark brown paste called chocolate liquor. The temperature is never allowed to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit but usually only reaches 112 degrees. A high accuracy thermometer monitors this process. Other cocoa powders can be exposed to temperatures as high as 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, the fat is slowly separated into cacao butter and what remains is a cake. This cake or cocoa solid is then cold-milled to become a truly raw organic unsweetened cocoa powder. The powder allows for maximum digestion and antioxidant absorption.

Natural Zing’s raw organic cocoa powder has the highest level of cocoa flavonoids because it is the least processed. Once the fat has been removed and there are no extra ingredients added, such as sugar, it is the healthiest form of chocolate you will enjoy.

* Please be aware: Our raw cocoa powder should not be confused with cacao powder, which is just ground up cacao nibs or beans. If you want whole ground cacao powder just grind the cacao nibs in a coffee/spice grinder.
The rich flavonoid content of raw cocoa is part of a large and diverse class of phyto-chemicals called polyphenols. The flavonoids in chocolate help the body to produce nitric oxide, a compound essential for proper heart function. Pro body builders also believe nitric oxide helps to increase muscularity.

In addition, cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and Natural Zing’s cocoa powder has 14 times more antioxidants than red wine and 21 times more antioxidants than green tea. These are only some of the amazing health benefits to be obtained from eating our cooca powder.

i added the bold red and italicized, but i just want to make sure that you see that. so i am going off of that, cause it makes the most sense to me. hope this helps

[vivctfem27]

This is my 2nd raw week after many tries before and about 2 years of making some raw meals but I have to have a lit bit of choc , so this helps.