cacao husk tea

Move over, green tea! There’s a new super-powered brew in town. Love chocolate, but trying to keep an eye on your sugar and calorie intake? Want an all-natural beverage that can boost both your mood and your immune system? Look no further than Cacao Husk Tea!

What Is Cacao Husk Tea?

Cacao husks are the fibrous shells surrounding cacao beans, separated from the cacao nibs during production. These husks were historically seen as nothing more than a byproduct of cocoa production, and discarded. However, in recent years, they’ve become prized for their “superfood” properties (more on that in the next section). We’ve also discovered that these husks can be steeped in water to create a delicious tisane with a deep, dark chocolate flavor, but no sugar or calories. It’s win-win!

Even better, our Cacao Husks come from Heirloom-Designated Nacional cacao beans. Nacional is perhaps the rarest and most sought-after cacao in the world, tracing its lineage back thousands of years to the first cacao ever harvested by humans. This is, simply put, the finest cacao in the world, and these husks will make for one of the most unique beverages you’ll ever brew!

Health Benefits of Cacao Husks

Aside from its delicious chocolate flavor, one of the best reason to enjoy a cup of Cacao Husk Tea is its many potential health benefits, including:

  • Low Calorie: Cacao husks are naturally sugar-free and contain almost no calories.
  • Antioxidants: Cacao husks are loaded with antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
  • Nutrients: Cacao husks are full of essential nutrients, including magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin A. They’re also rich in fiber, which can improve digestion.
  • Caffeine-free energy: Cacao husks are caffeine-free, but they do contain a compound called theobromine, which can act as a stimulant and mood-booster, without the jitters that often accompany caffeine.
  • Sustainability: These husks have historically been discarded during cacao production, so their use in beverages helps reduce waste.

nacional cacao husks
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Cacao Husk Tea Recipe

This simple, super-food-rich tisane is the perfect way to start any day!
Prep Time15 mins
Keyword: beverages, cacao, tisane

Equipment

  • French Press OR tea infuser (tea ball or tea pot with infuser basket)

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Nacional Cacao Husks per person
  • 1 cup Boiling water per person

Instructions

  • If using a French press, add cacao husks and pour in boiling water, then cover.
  • If using tea ball or infuser basket, try to cover cup or pot while steeping. It's important to keep the water as hot as possible to fully extract the cacao flavor.
  • Allow tea to steep for 6 to 8 minutes. If you intend to add milk or cream, steep at least 10 minutes.
  • For French press, slowly depress plunger. Otherwise, remove infuser ball or basket. Pour into serving cups. Add milk/cream and sweetener, if desired. Enjoy!