Description:
The Theobroma tree is native to South America, but is now cultivated all over the world. The tree can grow up to 4-8 m tall and starts to bear cacao fruit when it reaches 4-5 years old. It can produce many cacao pods at any one time and each can contain between 20-60 seeds or beans. Cacao Nibs are the inside of the Cacao bean, the substance that is chocolate itself.
The raw, unadulterated cacao has a very different taste to that of cooked commercially available chocolate. It is bitter, rich, dark and strong, keeping the nibs or beans in your mouth and chewing them slowly allows all of the flavours to release. Some can taste sweetness, some say it is fruity and all can definitely taste chocolate!
Cacao is an ancient food, so revered by past civilisations that it has even been used as money. The ancient Aztecs made a frothy, creamy drink from Cacao which was reserved for royalty.
Whether you eat the nibs straight, or make them into chocolates or cakes, they will give you a whole new meaning to the word chocolate, chocolate that is good for you!

Benefits:
Cacao contains a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals and essential fats. Cacao is one of the highest single food sources of magnesium on the planet. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones and helps regulate heartbeat and blood pressure.
Sulfur is also abundant in Cacao, sulfur is most famous as the 'beauty mineral'. Its builds healthy skin, hair and nails, promotes liver detoxification and supports healthy pancreas function.
Serotonin, endorphins and phenylethylamine, all of which are 'happiness' neurotransmitters are present in Cacao.
Cacao promotes cardiovascular health and protects the body from toxins.

Use:
Eat as you like or make into chocolates or any recipe of your choice.

Safety:
Cacao contains caffeine.