Cacao and Its Many health Benefits

One area of interest to researchers is the effects of dark chocolate on cardiovascular health. Findings indicate that it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, based on clinical and epidemiological studies and In vivo experiments. Results found that cacao and chocolate lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve platelet function, raise HDL, and decrease LDL oxidation (http://www.phytochemicals.info/plants/cacao.php).

A study currently underway is taking a closer look at whether or not the high content of flavonoids and polyphenols also provide a preventive effect against coronary heart disease. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21894553)

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Caffeine in Cacao, True or Fiction?

Caffeine and theobromine. There is a persistent urban legend that Chocolate contains caffeine. It would seem that this rumor is based primarily on confusion between two similar alkaloids: caffeine and Theobromine. Theobromine is the active ingredient in Chocolate and it occurs only in Cacao. The two stimulants are related and have similar structures, but are very different chemicals with different properties, effects and origins. There are of course, some Chocolate products that have added caffeine, but it does not occur naturally in Chocolate.

Reduce your Stress with Cacao NIbs.

Another way cacao benefits heart health is through stress reduction. Cacao  polyphenols' effects on plasma metabolites, hormones, and oxidative stress after exercise were studied and found to increase mobilization of free fatty acids and reduce oxidative stress markers. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21558573)

Brain Food?, YES

Cacao is good for the brain too. Traditional uses include antidepressant, mood leveler, and improvement of cognitive function due to the constituents that influence our neurotransmitters. One study suggests that adding cacao to a diet during nutritional recovery reduces damage caused by oxidative stress and helps to restore glutathione levels. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21826449)

Bonao Cacao Inc. is Selling at Local Markets

Online Ordershttp://www.cacaomiami.com

Thousand Pound Egg

Sunrise, Fl

(954) 335-7060

Life Natural Foods

North Miami Fl

(305)891-5808

Boca Raton Green Market

8095 Glades Rd

(305)918-4733

Aventura Green Market

Aventura, Fl

(954)290-5733

Urban Oasis Project

Upper Eastside Farmers Market

NE 66 ST and Biscayne Blvd.

(305)918-4733

Key West Green Market

Key West, Fl.

(305)918-4733
Marando Farms

1401 SW 1st Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-294-2331
http://www.marandofarms.com

Cacao nibs, the harvest process

Harvesting and Processing Cacao Beans.

By; jorge Hernandez 

Harvesting and Processing Cacao Beans

'Theobroma Cacao' – The Cacao Tree

In the 18th century the Swedish botanist, Carolus Linnaeus, renamed the cacao tree giving it the Greek name Theobroma Cacao, now its official botanical name, which literally means 'food of the Gods'.

Cacao trees resemble English apple trees. They grow best under the canopy of tropical rainforests, seldom reaching more than 7.5 metres (25 feet) high. To flourish they need to be shaded from direct sun and wind, particularly in the early growth stages.

The cacao tree also known cacao tree has broad, dark leaves about 25cm long, and pale-coloured flowers from which bean pods grow.

A native of the central and South American rainforests, cacao trees are now cultivated in many tropical locations around the world.

 Two methods are generally used to establish cacao tree plantations.

Young trees are interspersed with new permanent or temporary shade trees such as coconut, plantains and bananas, following the clear-felling of the forest. In large Asian plantations, cacao trees and coconut trees are planted together and both crops are harvested commercially.

Alternatively, forest trees are thinned out and the cocoa trees are planted between established trees.

Cacao trees begin to bear fruit when they are two to four years old. They produce pink and white flowers throughout the year, growing in abundance after before the rain starts. However the pods grow straight out of the trunk and the main branches, which is most unusual. Only a small proportion of the flowers develop into fruit over a period of about five months. The trees are carefully pruned so that pods can be more easily harvested.

Each tree yields 30-50 pods per year. It takes the whole year's crop from one tree to make 450gms of Chocolate.

Cacao Pods & Beans

The cacao tree bears two harvests of cacao pods per year. Around 20cm in length and 500gms in weight, the pods ripen to a rich, golden-orange colour.

Within each pod there are 20-40 purple, 2cm long cacao beans covered in a sweet white pulp. Delicious!!!

There are three broad types of cacao

Forastero 

Criollo. Best!  

Trinitario, a hybrid of the two. 

Within these types there are several varieties.

Forastero 

Producing the greater part of all cacao grown, Forastero is hardy and vigorous, producing beans with the strongest flavour. 

The Forastero variety most widely grown in West Africa and Brazil is Amelondaro. It has a smooth yellow pod and pale purple beans.

Criollo

With its mild or weak chocolate flavour, Criollo is grown in Bonao Dominican Republic. Criollo trees are not as hardy and produce softer red pods, containing 20-30 white, ivory or very pale purple beans.

Trinitario 

Plants are not found in the wild as they are cultivated hybrids of the other two types. Trinitario cocoa trees are grown mainly in the Caribbean, but also in Dominican Republic. The mostly hard pods contain 30 or more beans of variable colour, though white beans are rare.

Harvesting and Splitting Cacao Pods

The harvesting of cacao pods is very labour-intensive. In Dominican Republic whole family, together with friends and neighbours help out.

Ripe pods are gathered every few weeks during the peak season. The high pods are cut with large knives attached to poles, taking care not to damage nearby flowers or buds. The pods are collected in large baskets, which workers carry on their heads, and piled up ready for splitting.

The pods are split open by hand and the seeds or beans, which are covered with a sweet white pulp or mucilage, are removed ready to undergo the two-part curing process - fermentation and drying. This prepares the beans for market and is the first stage in the development of the delicious chocolate flavour.

If you have more questions please feel free to contact jorge hernandez 

305-918-4733. 954-290-5733

Bonao Cacao Inc. is Selling at Local Markets

Online Orders

http://www.bonaocacao.com

Thousand Pound Egg

Sunrise, Fl

(954) 335-7060

Life Natural Foods

North Miami Fl

(305)891-5808

Boca Raton Green Market

8095 Glades Rd

(305)918-4733

Aventura Green Market

Aventura, Fl

(954)290-5733

Urban Oasis Project

Upper Eastside Farmers Market

NE 66 ST and Biscayne Blvd.

(305)918-4733

Key West Green Market

Key West, Fl.

(305)918-4733
Marando Farms

1401 SW 1st Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-294-2331
http://www.marandofarms.com

Jorge and Bonao Cacao Inc. : Bonao Cacao

Jorge and Bonao Cacao Inc. : Bonao Cacao

By: Jorge Hernandez

Hello my name is Jorge Hernandez.  I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and my product.  I guess they are both one and the same.  I am my product.  My product is Cacao Nibs, Cacao Beans and 100% Cacao Bar otherwise known as Cocoa; the bean from which Chocolate is made.

Bonao Cacao Inc. is Selling at Local Markets

Online Ordershttp://www.cacaomiami.com

Thousand Pound Egg

Sunrise, Fl

(954) 335-7060

Life Natural Foods

North Miami Fl

(305)891-5808

Boca Raton Green Market

8095 Glades Rd

(305)918-4733

Aventura Green Market

Aventura, Fl

(954)290-5733

Urban Oasis Project

Upper Eastside Farmers Market

NE 66 ST and Biscayne Blvd.

(305)918-4733

Key West Green Market

Key West, Fl.

(305)918-4733
Marando Farms

1401 SW 1st Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-294-2331
http://www.marandofarms.com

Rutabaga’s ETC.

Natural Food Market

299 S. Croft Ave

Inverness, Fl 34453

352-344-0096

Bar 2 Bean Cacao (Cocoa) Fort Lauderdale Presentation

Bean 2 Bar

Bonao Cacao Inc.


How Chocolate Bar can be made and the Process of Cacao to Chocolate Bar. Bonao Cacao Inc. also learn what can be done and the uses for cacao Nibs. how any one can benefit from cacao Nibs, Cacao Beans, Cacao Powder and the differences of the Store bought cacao Powder and the all natural cacao Powder that Bonao Cacao has to offer. We will also be introducing a Great New Product straight from Dominican Republic. We will be having taste of the Island with Bonao Cacao. Stay connected to us and dont forget to visit bonaocacao.com, cacaomiami.com, floridacacao.com, navitascacao.com, cacaoorganic.com