Cacao: The Raw Truth

by Shauna Sever — February 22, 2008

Now, I'm never going to be the kind of food writer who tells you that something can take the place of chocolate. That's just ludicrous. But I do have an obligation to make sure you know about the amazing flavor and texture of cacao nibs, which are the very essence of chocolate and where the world's best chocolates and cocoa powders get their start.

Cacao nibs are simply cleaned, roasted, and lightly crushed cacao beans and they work beautifully in brownies, cookies, ice cream, and more. Their complex, nutty, bittersweet cocoa flavor adds extra interest in any dessert recipe that might call for chocolate chips. Even more interesting is the use of cacao nibs in savory recipes like sauces and even chili.

But cacao nibs' benefits go way beyond flavor. High in magnesium, raw cacao nibs are known to increase focus and alertness, and contain powerful compounds that mimic going to your "happy place" and helping you stay there long after eating them. Cacao nibs also have been known to control appetite, and serve as a great edible beauty treatment, promoting vitality and rejuvenation within the body. So the next time you're in the mood to whip up some Toll House cookies, toss in some nibs with your morsels for an extra nutritional kick!