Organic Criollo cacao beans are oval dark brown seeds, also known as chocolate nuts, that grow on the chocolate tree, or cacao tree Theobroma cacao.
Cocoa solids are obtained from cocoa beans, which consist of fat-free components and cocoa butter.

Hailing from the Amazon rainforest, this bean is a key ingredient in chocolate production and finds its place in a variety of delicacies, including the traditional Mexican drink tejate. But their value is not limited to just satisfying the sweet tooth. This humble bean offers many benefits and a wide range of uses that include not only culinary but also medicinal and even ceremonial purposes.
Ceremonial and Cultural Uses – In some cultures, cacao has been used in religious ceremonies and rituals and in traditional healing practices. The cocoa tree was considered a sacred plant.

Criollo cocoa beans are a rare group of cocoa beans. It only accounts for 1 % of global production. Native to Venezuela and Colombia, but today also grown in Mexico, Peru, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. Criollo cacao was considered the food of the gods by the Maya. It is difficult to get a good harvest of this variety, because the trees are very sensitive to negative external factors.

Cacao beans are rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids. These compounds help fight free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Flavonoids in cocoa have been shown to protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The flavanols in cocoa can also improve circulation, lower blood pressure and even reduce the risk of stroke.

Attention
Cacao beans naturally contain caffeine, which can cause anxiety and insomnia if consumed in excess.
Some people may experience digestive problems such as bloating or diarrhea when consuming large amounts of cocoa due to its high fiber content.
In rare cases, however, people may be allergic to cocoa and experience symptoms such as skin rash or itching.

The use of cocoa beans
Cocoa beans are known to be used in chocolate production. The beans are harvested, fermented, dried, roasted and ground into cocoa mass, cocoa butter and cocoa powder, which are the building blocks of chocolate products.

Cacao beans are crunchy and soft at the same time, so they can be easily chewed. They can also be crushed or ground to make a powder that can be used in cooking. Roasted cocoa beans are less bitter.
Cocoa beans can be used to make cocoa powder, which is used to make hot cocoa and various chocolate-flavored drinks.
When baking, you can use not only cocoa nibs, but also cocoa powder to give cookies or cakes a rich chocolate flavor.