Best brand of raw cacao?

[Adream]

Hi everyone,
I'm new here, as well as new to the raw food prep methods. I'd like to make the avocado-chocolate pudding, as well as the chocolate dipped strawberries I just read about here, using the raw cacao powder.

I'll have to order it online as none of the health food stores in my area seem to carry raw cacao. I searched through this forum before posting this question, as I'm sure it must have been asked before, I didn't see anything though.

In your experience, which brand is the best as far as nutrition, quality and flavor?

TIA for your advice!

[GlimR]

I use Navitas

[buffalogal]

I'm pretty sure Alissa sells it. Check out her "store".

[fruitandveggies]

Does anyone know if I could put cacao nibs in a coffee grinder to make powder? I would hate to spend 20+ bucks on the powder then more on the nibs if I could just have one bag of nibs.

[Veganforlife]

Does anyone know if I could put cacao nibs in a coffee grinder to make powder? I would hate to spend 20+ bucks on the powder then more on the nibs if I could just have one bag of nibs.

I think I've heard people doing this. Try a few of them...:confused:

[fruitandveggies]

Thanks, Lucy. Yep--nothing works better than trying it!

[Myca]

Avocado cacao pudding sounds good. Is it?
How do you make it?

[MiahTay]

I tried grinding nibs into powder, and it grinds down but I couldn't get it to grind down as fine as the powder. The powder is like the consistency of ... like white flour, and I was not able to get it to grind that fine. This is fine if you are using it in something like crackers or some desserts, but if you want a silky smooth texture to something, go with the powder. I bought the nibs 1 time and have bought the powder exclusively since.

I buy Navitas as well.

Blessings,
Heather

[rawrawks]

Same for me....but it grnds fine enough to make stuff...when I first went raw I got a ton of nibs thinkng that was the way to use raw choco...then realized I had no way to really use them effectively. I have em so I just coffee grind them a while and it is useable.

[GlimR]

I have ground and ground and ground them some more in both a coffee bean grinder and my VM...they never get smooth enough and are always very gritty..I don't like it that way at all.

[revdrcyn]

My favorite is Divine Organics, but when I can't find it, I use Navitas.

[Adream]

Avocado cacao pudding sounds good. Is it?
How do you make it?

Myca, so far I've made the pudding with unsweetened Scharffen Berger cocoa powder, and yes...it is very good! :D I just ordered Organic Raw Cacao from Wilderness Family Naturals. I can't wait to try this in the avocado pudding. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KNCZKU/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

Here's the pudding recipe I used, it's a general guide, can easily be changed according to personal taste. It is delicious!! Actually, it's so good that the first time I made one, I went back to the kitchen to make a second one! :p

RAW CHOCOLATE "PUDDING"

Per single serving:
1-2 soft avocado (depends on size) ~ peeled, seeded and mashed w/ a fork
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. raw cacao powder
2 tsp. of sweetener of choice: honey, agave nectar, maple syrup
Optional: 2 soaked and drained pitted medjool dates
1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
Pinch of Himalayan pink sea salt
1 tsp. flax oil (gives it a creamy consistency)

Add all of the ingredients to a food processor. Process until mixture is a creamy consistency. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator for 2 hours.

Apparently, avocado pudding can also be made ahead and stored in the freezer. I haven't tried that yet, but it's a good idea.