The difference between cacao and cocoa is that cacao is raw; cocoa is roasted. Cocoa is darker than the raw cacao. Some folks think that raw foods have more minerals than cooked cocoa. Cacao and Cocoa are both full of antioxidants and nutrients that positively affect our cardiovascular health and brain power. Undoubtedly, cocoa and cacao are mood enhancing foods that produce a bliss-ed out feeling of wellness.

Both raw cacao and roasted cocoa are high in antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, iron, and potassium.

Here I am roasting biodynamic organic cocoa beans. Before making chocolate in Costa Rica, we roasted the cocoa beans and then removed the outer husk with our fingers.

I love the flavor of both cacao and cocoa and believe that cocoa has a more bitter flavor. What do you think?

Photos by Tracey Eller

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