cacao vs.cocoa

dahlila · #1 08-17-2007, 08:31 AM

What is the difference?

And when people talk about using cacao in recipes and smoothies, is it the nibs?

Coonlie · #2 08-17-2007, 09:22 AM

It's my understanding that Cacao is cocoa in the raw form.
I stand to be corrected if I'm wrong about this.

When using cacao in recipes, it can be either the powder or the nibs. I think it's usually specified, which one they're using but if not specified, then probably the powder.

dahlila · #3 08-17-2007, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the explanation!

I am having trouble finding the powder... I only see the nibs on naturalzing.com and they are sold out at sunfood.com...

do nibs work in smoothies or is the powder better? in that case can you just grind nibs in a coffee grinder?

Coonlie · #4 08-17-2007, 09:54 AM

I use the powder in smoothies. (I got Navita's Naturals brand from Amazon.)I've used nibs in ice-cream and I've seen them used in choc-chip cookies, althought I've not tried them in cookies yet. You can melt the nibs in warm water or grind them and use them in different ways, but it's a lot easier for me to just dump in a little powder unless I want the little chunks!

Lightlover · #5 08-17-2007, 11:51 AM

Well, I am not a native speaker ( I am from the Netherlands), so for me this
is even more confusing.
Some time ago I did research, and I think:

- cacao is the tree, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacao

- cocoa is the seed ( and also the cocoa powder)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa

LL

dahlila · #6 08-17-2007, 12:13 PM

interesting, LL... I will have to check out those wiki links.

I had no clue Amazon sold food, raw products at that! I am about to place a large textbook order so I can add the cacao to that

Thanks!

Raw Love · #7 08-17-2007, 04:11 PM

Keep in mind that anything you see on Wikipedia is almost always not true or correct. So don't take it to heart. Any ole joe can erase the meaning and add their own meaning or thoughts on any said subject. I have quit looking on their site because of it.

Raw Love

Fairygirl · #8 08-17-2007, 04:53 PM

Cacao powder is the result of pressing the cacao bean. When the bean is pressed, you get cacao powder and cacao butter.

Cocoa powder is the same thing except cooked.

Carmella · #9 08-17-2007, 08:03 PM

I can totally testify to the fact that the nibbs make wonderful 'chocolate chips'.

Here they are in FG's scrumptious Chocolate Chunk Cookies... To LIVE for!!!

Hum, I know you can't see them so well, but trust me, they ARE there and they are delish!

Here's another pic where they might be a little more visible...

dahlila · #10 08-18-2007, 08:31 AM

wow- those cookies look amazing!! me want cookie

Fairygirl · #11 08-20-2007, 10:13 AM

hehe i made these the other day! yes i admit they are yumm!
will post a pic soon too

Raw Jewelrylady · #12 08-20-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dahlila

Thanks for the explanation!

I am having trouble finding the powder... I only see the nibs on naturalzing.com and they are sold out at sunfood.com...

do nibs work in smoothies or is the powder better? in that case can you just grind nibs in a coffee grinder?

I used to buy cocao nibs & then grind them up but I could never get them really smooth. I really like Alissa's raw cacao powder. Very smooth & I made an awesome batch of truffles & fudge yesterday. I will post my pic & recipes soon..

Lana