What is Cacao Powder?

Cacao Powder is the roasted, ground seed of Theobroma cacao, the tropical tree whose beans become chocolate. It belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae). The genus name Theobroma comes from the Greek for "food of the gods," a nod to the plant's standing in the cultures that first cultivated it.

About the plant

Cacao beans grow inside large pods on the trunk and branches of the tree, which is native to the Amazon basin and was cultivated extensively across Mesoamerica from roughly 3000 BCE. The Olmec, Maya, and Aztec peoples prepared cacao as a thick spiced beverage and used the beans as currency, a documented history spanning more than three thousand years. Its naturally occurring compounds include theobromine and small amounts of caffeine. The roasted powder has the deep, familiar chocolate character used in baking and hot drinks.

Cacao Powder: form & sizes

We carry Cacao Powder as organic roasted ground cacao powder, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Cacao Powder in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Cacao Powder at a glance

Botanical name

Theobroma cacao

Family

Malvaceae

Native region

the Amazon basin, later cultivated across Mesoamerica

Plant part

seed (cocoa bean)

Sourcing

Organic

Genus name meaning

"Food of the gods" (Greek)

Naturally present

Theobromine, small amounts of caffeine

Form

roasted ground cacao powder

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb