Cacao vs. Cocoa - What's the difference?

Cacao vs. Cocoa - What's the difference?

One of the questions we often get asked is "what's the difference between cacao and cocoa, and what about super-cacao ?" It seems there is a lot of confusion about this in the land of chocolate lovers so we thought we’d help clear a few things up. 


What is cacao? 

The cacao bean is actually the source of both cacao and cocoa powders and is what any type of chocolate is originally made from. However, the studies that boast of chocolate’s amazing health benefits are not referring to your average store-bought chocolate bar. The "chocolate" that they’re referring to is in fact cacao. Cacao is made by cold-pressing cacao beans that have been gently heated at low temperatures to remove bacteria and bring out the chocolatey flavour. This process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter). So, in a nutshell, cacao refers to the purest and most natural form of chocolate that is unprocessed and additive free. 

What is cocoa?

Although it may look the same as cacao, cocoa is made by roasting cacao beans at high temperatures and is usually processed using an alkalised solution that makes it less acidic and richer in taste. Roasting at high temperatures changes the molecular structure of the cacao bean, reducing the enzyme content and lowering the overall nutritional value. Many cocoa powders also contain additives like sugar. 
 
Why do we often hear the term 'raw' cacao? 

We often hear the term 'raw cacao' floating around in the health world. However, if your interpretation of 'raw' means absolutely no heat treatment at all, cacao powder simply cannot be raw! This is because cacao grows in remote regions in tropical countries, so without any form of heat treatment, pathogens and bacteria will not be killed and may remain active in the cacao. Cacao beans are also fermented before being roasted anyway, so beans that are raw (as in simply picked off the tree) are simply not available. As Aduna Super-Cacao is roasted very lightly and over a longer period of time, it is as natural as it can be. Most cacao powders will have much higher heat treatment that destroys the all-important flavanols.

What's so super about our Super-Cacao powder? 

Aduna Super-Cacao is the first cacao on the market that is supported by a recognized health claim from the European Food Safety Authority. It is made from specially-selected, gently-roasted high-flavanol beans (flavanols are a plant-based antioxidant which help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels) and contains 8x the flavanol content of regular cacao, supporting normal blood flow. Cacao flavanols contribute to:

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Elasticity of arteries
  • Healthy blood circulation (great for people suffering from cold hands and feet!)

It is also jam-packed with antioxidants and has been clinically proven to improve skin-hydration, making it a beauty must-have. Check out our article that explores in depth the powerful health and beauty benefits of Aduna Super-Cacao.  

Buy Aduna Super-Cacao 

Aduna Super-Cacao is available here or at Pure Health Bar.

Order online now and we will deliver straight to your door. We deliver for free for all orders over €25.

Article written by ADUNA World.

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