Chocolate Is Healthy

The health benefits of chocolate can be enjoyed not only in the form of raw chocolate bars. Chocolate is becoming a central ingredient in teas and other infused beverages as well.

One of the great things about the infusion of chocolate and tea is that you enjoy the chocolate
health benefits and rich flavors without calories. It’s also an opportunity to try interesting flavor combinations you may not have come across in regular chocolate. Chocolate-flavored teas obviously make a great finish to a meal, but many are balanced enough to be enjoyed at any time of day. Thankfully, you’ll find both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions of chocolate tea such as in this Chocolate Mint Truffle Rooibos Tea- 4oz. bag meaning the intoxicating blend of cacao nibs, mint and rooibos leaves won’t keep you up at night. Yet, you receive the massive antioxidants of chocolate and rooibos, sometimes referred to as red tea. Finally, chocolate tea is not just a grown up drink. Kids enjoy the chocolate backdrop enormously as well as the unique flavor combinations. And, you can find both loose leaf and bag versions of chocolate tea, so it can be prepared it in whatever way you prefer.

If you enjoy the warm cardamom, cinnamon and clove flavors of chai, then you may like the ML Masala Chocolate Truffle Herbal Tea Tin. In addition to the zesty spice mixture, this loose leaf herbal tea offers creamy chocolate notes. It’s decaffeinated so enjoy it whenever you like!

Perhaps you’re more interested in the naturally caffeinated mate, made from chicory. This energizing drink has been said to increase metabolism and alertness. The ORAC value of antioxidants in mate is several times that of many fruits and vegetables. This Chocolate Maté Solstice 20 tea bags: K from Pixie Mate might be for you. For a few dollars, it’s a great way to try this bliss-inducing, non-addictive energy tea.

For the ultimate chocolate tea gift, Mighty Leaf put together this gorgeously decadent Au Chocolat Gift Tea Set which includes 6 of their imaginative chocolate truffle tea blends as well as six squares of bittersweet Scharffen Berger chocolate and a tea infuser.

Not only was this raw vegan chocolate pie a hit at a dinner party, but it even passed the five year old kid taste test.  Impressive!

ireallylikefood shared this fabulous recipe for a chocolate pie made with a mixed nut crust and filled with a pudding-like chocolate mixture that included avocados, cocoa powder, and shredded coconut.  Garnished with fresh fruit, the raw chocolate pie mixture could also work as a delicious cake frosting.

Check out the link below for the full recipe and a step-by-step process with pictures, of how to make this fabulous vegan chocolate pie.

Chocolate Filling for Raw Vegan Chocolate Pie Recipe by ireallylikefood.

Ingredients:

• 3 avocados (stay with me here, the outcome is truly delicious!)
• 1/2 cup of agave (1/2 cup maple syrup)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2  Tbsp tahini (aka: sesame butter)  (cold pressed coconut butter I had none)
• (3/4 cup raw carob powder I skipped this because I don’t like it)
• 4 Tbsp organic cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional… I added this because i had no coconut butter)
• berries of choice

Directions:

1. Cut your avocados in half

2. Pit your avocados and scoop out the flesh into your food processor along with the vanilla, tahini, shredded coconut and agave. Blend away (a blender also works for this)

3.  Once it is nicely blended add in your cocoa powder and blend.

4. Fill in your pie crust and top with berries

Recipe: “Raw” Chocolate Pie | ireallylikefood.

This interesting event has been held by Global Exchange, putting grassroots pressure on international companies that purchase cocoa.  They distribute information on fair trade chocolate to parents and school groups across the United States and Canada.  In addition, participants go “reverse trick or treating” on Halloween where instead of accepting candy, trick or treaters distribute fair trade chocolate to each home.

Why fair trade chocolate?  Many people aren’t aware that despite international agreements, around 2 million children work on cocoa plantations, some in slavelike conditions with no pay.   Better labor practices and sustainable agriculture are emphasized in the fair trade movement.  It takes strict adherence to policies for chocolate to be certified as fair trade.

Global Exchange hopes to draw attention to the human rights issues in chocolate production by sharing delicious samples of fair trade chocolate with consumers.  By raising awareness of fair trade chocolate, they encourage corporations to closely examine their business practices.

“Reverse Trick-or-Treaters” Deliver Fair Trade Chocolate | Worldwatch Institute.

Naked Chocolate by David Wolfe and Shazzie is one of the most informative, interesting books on chocolate and its history. If you want gorgeous photos, recipes and a deeper understanding of the health benefits of chocolate, this is the book for you. It’s not only for chocolate lovers, chefs, or raw foodists, but anyone who wants to feel more energized by the foods they eat and optimize their health.

A great gift! You can purchase the book at David’s Sunfood Nutrition site here: Naked Chocolate by David Wolfe

You’ve probably come across various ways to consume raw chocolate. Most common are cacao nibs and raw chocolate bars. But have you tried raw chocolate powder?

Many people aren’t quite sure what to do with raw chocolate powder but it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient. It’s made from raw chocolate, and because of this, it doesn’t contain high levels of caffeine you find in processed chocolate powder. It’s typically vegan-friendly and organic, and a great source of minerals such as magnesium, copper, and calcium.  It’s also rich in antioxidants.

Raw chocolate powder should have a rich, smooth effect on any recipe. You can mix raw chocolate powder into smoothies, yogurt or ice cream. Use it to make a raw chocolate (or non-raw chocolate) cake, or raw chocolate bars
or truffles.

Look for raw chocolate powder made with premium cacao beans and grown with sustainable farming methods. You can buy raw chocolate powder in 1lb and 5lb bags at your local health food grocery store, or check out
Navitas Naturals Cacao Power Raw Powder at this online health food sellers.