Cacao is bitter and chocolatey, making it a nice alternative to coffee in the morning. It is also a brilliant afternoon beverage for an energy boost.
Raw cacao is not heat-treated, like cocoa, therefore cacao retains more nutrients. It contains theobromine, a similar compound to coffee, making it antioxidant rich and energising.
I like to make a cacao tonic with cacao, cinnamon, ginger, maca, medicinal mushrooms (reishi, chaga, lions mane, tremella: to name a few) and then you can add a teaspoon of sweetness if you like- I prefer to use a heaped spoon of raw carob powder for its natural sweet flavour, but other options to sweeten include raw organic honey or pure maple syrup).
Ingredient Guide
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder (start with less if you’d like a less strong taste)
1-2 teaspoons of medicinal mushrooms of choice (Ganoderma lucidum– reishi- is brilliant for immune function due to its beta glucan compounds or I absolutely love JING blend by Superfeast)
Heaped spoon of raw carob powder
1 teaspoon maca root powder
Any other spices desired
250ml your choice of milk (almond, cashew, oat, coconut, macadamia…or cow’s!)
If needed, 1 teaspoon of sweetener like honey or pure maple syrup
Method:
Step 1. Measure out all ingredients into your blender
Step 2. Add ice cubes, milk & blend !
Alternatively, if you don’t own a blender…
Step 1. Measure out all dry ingredients into your favourite mug
Step 2. Pour a small amount of hot water into mug and stir the cacao/mushroom powders until they form a paste
Step 3. Add your cold milk of choice and a couple of ice cubes
Enjoy !
Annabel is a naturopath at The Herbal Dispensary with her own established online practice https://www.inadaynaturopathy.com.au/