Cocoa: benefits, curiosities and importance

Cocoa is the fruit of the cacao tree ( Theobroma cacao ), known worldwide as the raw material for chocolate. Besides its flavor , it also offers several health benefits ! Check it out below:

Cocoa is the fruit of the cacao tree ( Theobroma cacao ). It is elongated and oval, with a thick shell that can vary in color. Inside is a pulp, often used for juices, for example, and the seeds, which are used to make cocoa powder and chocolate.

In addition to being known for its flavor, especially chocolate, it also has great economic value, several benefits and is used not only by the food industry, but also in the pharmaceutical industry and in the production of cosmetics, for example.

At MAHTA, we use Wild Cacao, a pure and organic fruit, harvested by riverside communities that preserve native trees, generating more sustainable production.

Cocoa is considered a superfood due to its composition:

• Antioxidants : Cocoa contains flavonoids, compounds that help fight free radicals, protecting cells from damage and contributing to cardiovascular health.

• Minerals : it contains some minerals that are essential for various functions of our body.

• Fiber : the fiber present in cocoa helps digestive health and promotes a feeling of satiety, and can also contribute to weight control.

• Anti-inflammatory action : the bioactive compounds present in cocoa can help reduce inflammatory processes in the body.

Cocoa can be consumed in several ways:

• Cocoa powder : Can be added to recipes, providing flavor and nutrients.

• Chocolate bars : Choose chocolates with a high cocoa concentration (over 70%) to maximize their benefits. The lower the cocoa concentration, the more likely it is to contain high sugar and fat!

Remember, cocoa is different from chocolate!

• Cacao Nibs : These are small pieces of fermented and crushed cacao beans, which can be eaten as snacks or added to recipes.

Before cocoa was made into chocolate, it was already highly valued. Ancient civilizations, such as the Mayans and Aztecs, used cocoa beans as currency due to their high value!

Some historical documents show that seeds were exchanged for goods and even services.

The cocoa tree can live for a long time, sometimes exceeding 100 years. However, its production is most intense in the first 25 years, when it can produce the largest quantity of fruit.

Thus, over time, productivity decreases, but the plant remains alive and can be preserved for a long time, as long as it is in favorable conditions.

World Cocoa Day is celebrated on July 7th . This date was created to celebrate the importance of this fruit in various areas, such as culture, economy, and nutrition. This day is a special one to recognize the impact of cocoa and encourage its consumption and conscious production.

The scientific name for cacao, Theobroma cacao , means " food of the gods ." For the Mayans and Aztecs, cacao was not just a food, but was often used in religious rituals as a sacred element. Furthermore, some legends indicate that cacao consumption was limited to nobility and priests, considered a divine offering.

Although the cacao tree has a long lifespan, it only begins to produce its first fruits around five years after planting. Furthermore, cacao is typically harvested twice a year.

Cocoa plays a crucial role in the economy and is a source of income for many family farmers. In Brazil, production occurs primarily in Bahia and Pará, driving economic development and generating jobs.

However, cocoa cultivation is also essential for riverside and indigenous communities, who harvest the fruit sustainably, preserving the forest. This production model helps strengthen the local economy and contributes to environmental preservation, promoting not only income but also a sustainable production chain.

Cocoa has a super important ancestral history!

For the Mayans and Aztecs , it was a sacred food , considered a gift from the gods. They prepared a bitter cocoa-based drink, consumed by nobles and warriors.

Furthermore, cocoa was so precious that it was even used as currency. And its legacy continues to this day, being essential to the cultures of many peoples.