I have my first cacao pods on my cacao trees! One will be ready soon – about 10 inches long and dark red. Can you believe that?!!! I will cut it open, take out the beans and let them sit and ferment in the sun for 6 days or so. Then roast for about 5-6 mintues on each side, take the skins off, open the beans up and take the nibs out – my favorite part.
Recipe of the Day – Shamrock Smoothie
Ingredients
1/2 c. water
2 bananas, peeled & frozen overnight
3 T. chia
1 T. peanut butter
2 Fresh mint leaves or 1/2 tsp. mint extract
1 cup baby spinach
1 date, soaked and pitted
Topping
1 c. coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
A sprinkle of cacao nibs or chocolate shavings
Directions: Blend the first 7 ingredients. Pour into glass.
Use spoon to dollop about a tablespoon of coconut cream on top.
Sprinkle chocolate on top.
WWord of the Day – cacao – chocolate
Tip of the Day – Do it without the spinach for a chocolate shake.
I grow cacao. You don’t want to ferment the beans in the sun. The small quantity you’ll have from the one pod will dry out too quickly in the sun to ferment well.
Oh thanks, Marc! I was thinking the same thing myself.