Cocoa, Cacao, and Chocolate! Oh My!
Cocoa, cacao, and chocolate are all derived from the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, an evergreen native to lowland rainforests. However, they are all processed differently and this is what gives the distinct characteristics and nutritional values. The entire cacao fruit was traditionally worked with by the Mayan and Aztec civilizations for it’s medicinal effects. These…