What is Cacao?
Cacao is a type of cocoa bean, most commonly grown in tropical regions of the world. Cacao is a key ingredient for making chocolate, and has been used in food and drinks for centuries. It is incredibly versatile, and is also used in a plethora of recipes, from breakfast cereal to smoothies. The Cacao tree is native to South America and was brought to the New World by the Mayans and Aztecs. It grows in three distinct areas—Central and South America, West Africa, and South Eeast Asia—and thrives in warm climates. Farmers who grow Cacao trees need to take special care to maintain optimal soil and environmental conditions, as otherwise, the trees won’t produce any of the delicious Cacao pods. Either way, the deliciousness of Cacao never fades.
What does Cacao taste like?
When it comes to tasting Cacao, experts agree that it possesses a unique, subtle flavor. Many describe it as both mildly bitter and sweet, with a hint of fruity notes. It is often compared to dark chocolate, as both share similar flavor profiles, but Cacao has a more intense flavor. While some might not be used to the taste of Cacao, once you get used to it you’ll appreciate all the deliciousness it brings to the table – in chocolate, or even in other dishes. We highly recommend giving Cacao a try – it’s definitely worth it!
What dishes do you find Cacao in?
Cacao is a truly versatile ingredient, and can be found in a variety of dishes all around the world. In Central and South America, it’s often featured in hot chocolate, granola, and smoothies. Meanwhile, in West Africa, it’s used in products like dark chocolate, spreads, and to flavor food. South East Asia also has many interesting dishes with Cacao as a main ingredient, such as raw Cacao balls, desserts with Cacao nibs, and spiced Cacao drinks. Of course, Cacao is a key ingredient for making chocolate—whether it’s dark, milk, or white—and it’s also a great way to add a unique flavor to all kinds of dishes.