Raw chocolate, or in this case raw cacao, is not really 'raw' as required by raw foodie guidelines. Be under no illusion that 'raw' cacao is better for you than straight normal good quality cocoa. I have a bit of an ongoing irritation with the whole 'raw chocolate' thing.
The reason for this is because in the very basic process of creating fermented chocolate or cacao beans in the jungle, where they are grown, which happens with every single cacao bean on the planet, before anything else is done to them, the temperatures can reach upwards of 100°C.
'Raw' first became a buzzword for a healthy lifestyle when the concept of dieting with just fruits and vegetables was introduced. As part of a cleanse, eating just high quality and uncooked fruits and vegetables could be enormously beneficial. 'Raw' set a standard of requiring that none of the food eaten was heated to above 46°C.
Apart from anything else, the fermentation process is where the flavour of the chocolate is partially developed. So eating a truly 'raw' cocoa bean would give you zero chocolate flavour as you know it, and would be acidic and really quite unpalatable. SO...when the claim is 'raw' chocolate, and it tastes like chocolate, (be it less delicious than you are used to or not) it has already been subjected to high temperatures...and would benefit in fact from being roasted to increase flavour profile.
Having said all that, if you really enjoy the taste of commercial raw cacao, by all means stick to it, but I would recommend saving yourself some money and sticking with a premium cocoa. Your tastebuds will thank me.
We do have loads of great chocolate info on this site, as I firmly believe that it is a health food. There is no other fruit that has such a perfect by-product made from it!
How Chocolate Makes you Calmer, and More Creative!
Brew Choc, the healthy coffee alternative
Eat your Sunblock this summer?
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Need
- 100 Grams raw cashews, soaked and drained
- 12-14 dried figs, soaked and drained
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla bean paste BUY
- 14 dates fresh, pitted
- 25 Grams cacao powder BUY
- 230 Grams water
Do
- 1
The night before you wish to make this, place cashews and figs into a bowl and cover with water. Before proceeding with the recipe, drain them reserving a little of the liquid.
- 2
Place all ingredients into the Thermomix bowl and blend 2 min/speed 8. Scrape down sides of bowl and repeat until you are happy with the texture. It should be creamy and smooth.
- 3
Divide between serving cups and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- 4
You can serve this with Coconut Whipped Cream if desired.
