How do I tell if my 'raw' cacao is raw?

[ciarac]

I bought organic cacao powder today. I live in Spain, and as I've said b4 in another post, things get lost in translation here. I spoke to two of the shop assistants, one which was the manager, and explained that normally they toast the beans and hence, most cacao powder is not raw.
The cacao powder they sold is actually made FOR the shop, like, the company actually makes the cacao powder and then sells it in their shop so they SHOULD know what they are talking about.

Anyway, just to be sure, aside from actually asking if its raw, are there any other signs I should look for? Like, a particular taste or smell that's unique to the raw stuff?

Thanks!

(starting 30 day challenge tomorrow! Woo hoo!)

[subbacultcha]

The raw powder is much lighter in colour than the cooked stuff, and it is less bitter.

[iamacranberry]

Unfortunately, most cocoa/cacao isn't raw and only is raw if it's labelled as such. You may have to order it online if you don't have a health food store nearby that will sell it to you. But if it's labelled as raw it probably is, for cacao anyways.

[RawMistress]

Dont know if Alissa ships there; it may not get past customs; but you should be able to get some 100% raw from shazzies site.
good luck

[iamacranberry]

I think it will get past customs, but it's not worth it because you'll pay loads in shipping and taxes. Shazzie sells it, but it's bloody expensive. There's always google searching it...maybe you'll be lucky and there will be somewhere closer to home that will ship it to you.

[subbacultcha]

Oh yeah, I know Shazzie ships worldwide. Too true it is expensive, I have always had great quality products and good service from her company though.