Raw 100% Cacao is a superfood! It has been called “The Food of the Gods”.

Left Coast™ Confections uses only the finest 100% cacao butter available. It is 100% single origin Criollo cacao from Peru and has the following attributes:

•   Certified Organic and non-GMO (certified by Oregon Tilth)

•   Certified Fair Trade (certified by Control Union Fair Choice)

•   Certified Kosher (certified by EarthKosher)

•   Naturally Gluten Free

The cacao beans used in Left Coast™ Confections are grown in Peru by small farm cooperatives. The cacao beans are allowed to ferment naturally for several days. The beans are then carefully washed and then sun dried at a maximum temperature of 90 °F. The beans are then crushed to produce cacao nibs. Cacao butter is then produced by cold-pressing these cacao nibs (at under 118 °F) to release the oil (“butter”) contained in the nibs. This low temperature, manual extraction process (rather than by the use of solvents or heat) ensures that the cacao butter is pure (no solvents) and ensures that the delicate nutrients and flavors found naturally in raw cacao are preserved.

The fruit of the cacao tree contains a small bean from which all chocolate is made. Raw cacao is an incredible health food in its natural state, filled with energy-boosting nutrients. This amazing food has been revered for centuries by cultures such as the Aztec and Maya.

The cacao bean has two aspects, oil and solids. The oil portion is called “cocoa butter” and the solids portion is called “cacao powder”. Cocoa butter is about 60% saturated fat and about 40% monounsaturated fat. Whereas saturated fats used to be frowned upon and blamed for contributing to heart problems, today researchers know that plant-derived saturated fats are actually beneficial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cacao butter contains the antioxidants polyphenols and vitamin E. These antioxidants work to combat free radicals that are responsible for ageing, tissue damage, and disease.

Cocao butter also contains high levels of tryptophan, a key compound in the formation of Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood.

Cacao butter has a melting point that is just below human body temperature. Thus, it is a solid a room temperature, but it melts in the mouth.

The additional cacao butter in Left Coast™ Confections imparts an exceptionally smooth and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is a delight to the senses!