The Secret of the BriBri: Cacao

The Secret of the BriBri

Costa Rica’s Indians are some of the longest lived people on earth.  We spent time visiting with the BriBri in the Talamanca Mountains. They, like many modern indigenous people, live between two worlds. They wear modern clothes, live in modern houses, and carry cell phones. But they still adhere to the old ways when it comes to taking care of themselves. And one of the traditions they hold dear is the drinking of chocolate. YES! Chocolate is GOOD FOR YOU! In fact, the BriBri drink 5-6 cups of this unsweetened, rich beverage every day and they say its powerful anti-oxidants are the secret to their longevity.

Now, don’t think of the cocoa your mother made for you. This drink is made from the raw cacao beans, smashed into a paste, dried, and then shaved into a powder. The BriBri boil it with water instead of milk and they don’t add any sugar (I admit, I like a little honey in mine).  The resulting drink has tiny circles of cacao butter floating on top because it is so pure.

So here’s what I propose. Try replacing your morning coffee with a cup of this ultra-pure raw cacao. It will give you a caffeine boost similar to coffee without the jittery feeling. It will also keep you from being hungry and, because cacao is full of feel good chemicals, it will promote a general feeling of “Don’t worry, be happy”.

Here’s my favorite Raw Cacao Hot Beverage Recipe

Morning Raw Cacao Recipe

10 oz water

2 Tablespoons raw cacao

Pinch of sea salt

A few drops of vanilla

Pinch of cinnamon

1 Tablespoon honey

Boil the water with the cacao and salt. Whisk with fork or whisk. Allow it to boil for 2 minute or so (this will make sure the cacao is melted)

Shut it off and add the vanilla and cinnamon

Pour into your favorite mug, add honey and stir well

ENJOY!

The Wild Rainforest Organics Family