Chocolate has been long considered "the food of the gods". It has been used for centuries to boost energy and enhance mood. There are over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, chocolate remains one of the most complex and pleasurable foods known to man. Chocolate contains anandamide (a euphoric substance), arginine (a natural aphrodisiac), and tryptophan (a natural anti-depressant). Raw chocolate makes you happy!
This Dutched Organic Cocoa Powder is light to medium brown in color and has a 20-22% Fat Content. After cocoa butter has been extracted from the bean, the crumbly solids of the remaining chocolate liquor are ground into a fine powder to make cocoa powder.
Natural cocoa powder has an acidic pH level, "dutched" cocoa powder has gone through an alkalization process. Alkalized cocoa powder is processed with a potassium carbonate solution to neutralize the cocoa's acidity and to create a cocoa powder darker in color with a higher, more alkaline pH level. Dutched cocoa powder is more soluble and less bitter than natural cocoa powder and should be used in products with baking powder instead of baking soda.
Heres a recipe for Dutched Hot Chocolate:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa
1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
1 2/3 cups (400 mL) Milk (if you’re dairy-free, we recommend coconut, cashew or rice milk)
Whipped cream or marshmallows for serving
Directions:
Mix the cocoa, sugar, vanilla and a splash of the milk into a smooth paste in a bowl. Pour the remaining milk into a saucepan and place over low heat until it just begins to boil. Whisk the hot milk into the chocolate mixture. Ladle the cocoa into serving cups.
Top with dollops of whipped cream or marshmallows and serve immediately.
Trader Joes also sells a sipping chocolate that is amazing if you have ever had it! The ingredients are simple: SUGAR, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, NATURAL FLAVOR. This could easily be duplicated using vanilla bean paste powder or extract and some organic sugar or other sweeteners.
Our Certified Organic Raw or Roasted Cocoa Nibs are high in the mineral magnesium, essential for helping the heart to pump blood efficiently, building strong bones, and maintaining proper blood pressure. Chocolate also contain one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food source, exceeding that of red wine, green tea, and many other exotic fruits and vegetables. Recent scientific studies have shown that chocolate boosts blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs while having protective effects against heart disease. It has also been shown to be helpful in lowering blood glucose levels. Research also suggests that the flavanols in chocolate may help maintain youthful, beautiful skin. Plus chocolate is a good source of sulfur which promotes healthy skin, nails, and hair.
Chocolate has been shown to have excellent antioxidant levels exceeding red wine, green tea, and other exotic fruits and vegetables. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values of dark chocolate (13,120 per 100 grams) exceed those of prunes (5,700), blueberries (2,400), strawberries (1,540) and spinach (1,260).
Some possible benefits of Dutched Cocoa Powder may include:
Possible mood supportive properties
May support the healthy dilation of blood vessels
Possibly helps improve cellular functioning of cells lining blood vessels
Possibly a super powerful antioxidant
May support healthy blood flow to the brain, heart and other organs
May support a healthy heart
May lower the oxidative stress of strenuous activities, possibly with recovery
May support healthy digestion
Possibly stimulates healthy kidney and bowel function
May support skin health
May support a healthy cardiovascular system
May support a healthy stress response
May support a calm state of mind
May support strong bones and teeth
Possibly contains more magnesium than any other food
May support healthy blood sugar levels
Reduces free radicals throughout the body
May support breast milk production
May support healthy lipid levels
Endothelial function improved in overweight adults
May support an overall feeling of euphoria and well being
Dutched Cocoa Powder Contains the following compounds
Minerals: Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Sulfur
Vitamins: Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin A (IU), Vitamin E, Vitamin K
Amino Acids: Tryptophan
Phytochemicals: Flavonoids, PEA (phenylethylamine), Anandamide, Theobromine, Caffeine, Resveratrol
Essential Fatty Acids: Oleic Acid
Ingredients: Organic Cocoa Nibs Roasted or Raw
