Cacao has a long and fascinating history dating back to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations of Mexico and Central America. The Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs all considered cacao to be a sacred food and used it in religious ceremonies. The Aztecs even used cacao beans as a form of currency.
Cacao beans are a key ingredient in chocolate production. After being harvested, the beans are fermented and dried to develop their distinctive flavor. The dried beans are then roasted and winnowed to remove the outer shell and reveal the cacao nibs, which are the essence of chocolate. The cacao nibs are then ground into a paste called cacao liquor, which is a non-alcoholic liquid made of cacao solids and cacao butter. This liquor forms the basis of high quality chocolate and in the blockchain bar is combined with lontar sugar and additional cacao butter to form a simple, sustainable and truly delicious chocolate!
Cacao beans are packed with beneficial nutrients and compounds. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Cacao beans also contain flavonoids, which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Additionally they are a good source of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Cacao beans also contain theobromine which can boost energy and improve mood. So not only do cacao beans taste delicious, they can also provide a range of health benefits.