What are Cacao Nibs?

by Onajite Omare September 15, 2022

If you are here, you have heard of or seen cacao nibs mentioned somewhere and are wondering what they are. Although Cacao nibs are a relatively new addition to the Western world, they have been used in Central and South America for centuries.

This article explains what cacao nibs are, what they are used for, their benefits, and how they taste. We have also provided a few tips on buying and storing cacao nibs.

What are Cacao Nibs
How are Cacao nibs made
What are the benefits of Cacao nibs?
The Taste and Texture of Cacao nibs
How to Use Cacao nibs in Chocolate and Other Recipes
Tips on Buying and Storing Cacao Nibs
Shop Cacao Nibs

What are Cacao nibs?

Cacao nibs are small pieces of dried and fermented cocoa beans; they are the broken pieces of the cacao bean that are left behind after the bean has been roasted and hulled. You can use these nibs in various ways, including being eaten as is and used as an ingredient in baking or making chocolate.

Cacao nibs have a bitter, chocolatey flavor that some people enjoy on their own as a healthy snack alternative. They are also a popular superfood due to their high antioxidant content and potential health benefits.

Furthermore, cacao nibs come from the cacao bean, which is the key ingredient in chocolate. The beans are native to South America and have been used in traditional ceremonies for centuries. The Maya and Aztec peoples believed that cacao beans had divine power and used them as currency.

Today, cacao nibs are gaining popularity as a superfood due to their high antioxidant content.

How are Cacao nibs made?

The process of making cacao nibs begins with the cacao bean.

The cacao bean is the seed of the cacao fruit, which grows on the cacao tree. The beans are harvested and then left to ferment.

After fermentation, they are dried in the sun and roasted to bring in some nutty flavor and reduce the bitterness only slightly. Then, they are shelled and crushed to the size of peas to make cacao nibs. Not all cacao nibs are roasted; some are sold raw, and you can toast them yourself.

What are the benefits of Cacao nibs?

Cacao nibs are a source of antioxidants and have potential health benefits, which we will discuss below.

Cacao Is A Source Of Antioxidants

Cacao nibs are a great option if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to add more antioxidants to your diet.

Antioxidants are important for reducing inflammation and protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and lead to chronic diseases, such as cancer.

Cacao nibs are a rich source of flavanols, a type of antioxidant. Flavonoids have been shown to protect against heart disease and stroke by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow.

Cacao nibs also contain polyphenols, which have been linked to a lower risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Cacao Nibs May Boost One's Health

Cacao contains fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Fiber is important for digestive health and helps keep you feeling full after eating. Magnesium is essential for bone health, energy production, and nerve function. Potassium is a mineral that helps lower blood pressure and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

As such, cacao may help to boost heart health, improve cognitive function, and promote weight loss. It has also been shown to improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and brain function.

One study showed that low doses of cacao improved cholesterol levels in people with high cardiovascular disease risk. LDL ("bad") cholesterol decreased by 5.87 mg/dL (95% CI: −11.13, −0.61; P < 0.05).

Another study showed that cacao nibs improved glucose elevations after eating in people with diabetes and could help with glycemic control.

In addition, cacao nibs are a great source of antioxidants, flavanols, and polyphenols. These nutrients can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases. Adding cacao nibs to your diet can provide a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and boosting your energy levels.

Cacao May Improve Brain Function

Cacao nibs may also improve brain function. One study showed that cacao enhances brain health, neuroplasticity, neural synchrony, cognitive processing, learning, memory, recall, and mindfulness meditation.

Overall, cacao nibs are a nutritious food that may offer several health benefits. They make an excellent addition to your diet if you enjoy their bitter, chocolatey flavor.

The Taste and Texture of Cacao nibs

Cacao nibs have a rich, intense chocolate flavor with a slightly bitter edge. They are also quite crunchy and have a firm texture.

If you love chocolate chips or even harder chocolate snacks, you may love cacao nibs.

However, it is not as "sweet" as your regular chocolate chips. Cacao nibs are made to retain their natural taste without additional sweeteners, which chocolate chips have. So, they are bitter and, as such, may not be for everyone.

Although you may not enjoy chewing them as they are, you will likely enjoy using them in baking healthy snacks and other recipes.

How to Use Cacao nibs in Chocolate and Other Recipes

Adding cacao nibs to your diet is easy. They are versatile ingredients that can be used in many different ways. To start, you can also use cacao nibs in recipes to make chocolate-flavored things. Here are some ideas:

Chocolate Cake: Mix 1/2 cup of cacao nibs with the dry ingredients for your cake recipe. They will add a rich chocolate flavor and crunchy texture.
Hot Cocoa: Stir 1 tablespoon of cacao nibs into your favorite hot cocoa recipe for a delicious and antioxidant-rich treat.
Cookie or Brownie: Replace some or all of the regular chocolate chips in your favorite cookie or brownie recipe with cacao nibs for a richer and healthier chocolate flavor.

You can add them to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. Or, you can simply eat them on their own as a snack. Cacao is also available in powder and paste form, making adding them to recipes easy.

Tips on Buying and Storing Cacao Nibs

Cacao nibs are the unadulterated, purest form of chocolate. They’re made by crushing cocoa beans into small pieces, and they have an intense chocolate flavor with hints of bitterness. You can find them in the baking aisle of most grocery stores, or you can buy them online.

When buying cacao nibs, look for a brand that doesn’t add extra ingredients like sugar or milk. These will alter the flavor of the nibs and make them less healthy. Store cacao nibs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like your pantry. They’ll last for several months this way.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

When selecting cacao nibs, choose those that are dark and glossy in color.
Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Cacao nibs can last for up to six months when stored properly.

Cacao nibs are a great addition to many recipes. You can use them in place of chocolate chips in cookies or muffins, or you can add them to smoothies for a healthy chocolate boost. You can also just eat them as a snack! Try pairing them with nuts or dried fruit for a tasty and nutritious treat.

Whether you’re using them in recipes or eating them on their own, cacao nibs are a great way to get your chocolate fix in a healthy way. Give them a try today!

Conclusion

Cacao nibs are a great option if you’re looking for a delicious way to boost your health. These little nibs are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that can provide numerous health benefits. So, go ahead and indulge in some chocolatey goodness – your body will thank you!

Now that you know a little bit more about cacao nibs, why not give them a try? At Cosmic Cacao, we sell a variety of cacao products, including cacao beans and nibs. You can view some of our products below and enjoy cacao with its numerous benefits.