Chocolate is one of the most well-known foods in the world. However, cacao nibs are probably not something that you have heard about before. Cacao beans are harvested from cacao pods and can be eaten whole or ground up to create a cacao powder. The name “cacao” comes from an ancient Mayan word meaning “food of the gods.” Cacao offers many health benefits, so it’s no wonder why they were revered by the Mayan and Aztec people!

What Are Cacao Nibs?

Cacao nibs are crumbled up cacao beans that have been peeled and dried. Cacao is a seed from the cacao tree, which grows in tropical climates such as those of South America and Africa.

Cacao nibs are a nutrient-dense superfood filled to the brim with goodness that benefits your body in the best way!

Nibs & All

Cacao nibs are a good source of minerals, especially magnesium. Magnesium is an important nutrient that helps to keep our blood pressure levels low and reduce the risk of heart disease. Cacao also contains iron, calcium, zinc and copper which all aid in promoting healthy bones.

In fact cacao is one of the best plant based sources of iron! Cacao contains a large amount of antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and prevent many diseases. In fact cacao has been linked to feeling less stressed, increased blood flow, heightened moods and even improved physical performance thanks to its high antioxidant content!

Cacao nibs are a bitter and crunchy cacao product that can be enjoyed on their own or added to foods like smoothies, trail mixes, salads, yogurt bowls and even desserts!

Cacao powder is much different than cocoa powder which is also derived from cacao beans, but cacao is considered to be the raw form of the cacao bean. This means that it has not been roasted which can cause many antioxidants and minerals important for health to deplete.

Cacao Nibs: The Taste

Cacao nibs are less bitter than cacao powder, but both have their own unique flavour profiles. Different cacao nib varieties have different flavour notes, some have hints of vanilla and others have maple notes, along side other many many different flavour hints.

Here at Mr Popple’s Chocolate, the cacao nibs we use in our chocolate are from Peruvian Criollo cacao beans. When you taste these nibs, it truly is a journey! The aromas are distinctively chocolatey but you can tell there are more flavours at work, like hints of fruitiness and a subtle vinegar aroma.

The taste is unique, there are vanilla undertones with an earthy and fruity hit. We just can’t get enough of these little beans! If you’re crazy about chocolate too, check out our range at mrpoppleschocolate.co.uk