Ghana’s cacao is one of the country’s most important exports, and Volta province is one of the main cacao-growing regions. The cacao from Ghana, including the Volta province, belongs to the Forastero species, which has a high resistance to diseases and pests.

Cacao from Volta province is grown by local farmers who use traditional farming methods. The cacao beans are fermented and dried in the sun, then sold to local stores or processed into cacao pulp and other cacao products.

Volta cacao has a distinctive bitter taste with notes of fruit and nuts, and a delicate aroma. It is a popular cacao in the chocolate industry, especially in Europe, where many chocolate companies use Ghanaian cacao for their products.

One of the challenges in Ghanaian cacao production is the struggle with low prices on the world market, which makes it difficult for local farmers to make a profit from cacao production. However, in recent years, many organisations and companies have begun to invest in sustainable cacao production, aiming to increase farmers’ incomes and improve cacao quality.

What is cacao paste?

It is the dried, shelled, and then ground cacao beans, which take the form of a hard but brittle block or lumps.

Properties of cacao

Ceremonial cacao is a special form of cacao used in ceremonies by the indigenous cultures of Mexico, and Central and South America. It contains theobromine, caffeine, anandamide, phenylethylamine and flavonoids that affect the body and mind, improving mood and concentration, relieving symptoms of depression and stress, reducing pain and inflammation, and strengthening the immune and cardiovascular systems. The consumption of ceremonial cacao is also considered a spiritual experience that helps develop inner wisdom, intuition and spiritual sensitivity and is often used in shamanic practices and meditation.

You can read more about the properties of cacao here.

How to prepare cacao?

Mix between 10-20 grams of crushed cocoa with water, vegetable or animal milk (200 ml) and spices such as chilli, vanilla, cinnamon or cardamom. If desired, sweeten with honey or other healthy sugar. it is worth adding spices and honey at the end of the process.

You can find all the recipes for ceremonial cacao here.

What can be made from cacao paste?

Cacao paste is a very versatile culinary ingredient that can be used to prepare many different dishes and desserts at home. Here are some ideas of what can be made from cacao paste:

• Hot chocolate: Cacao paste is the ideal ingredient for making hot chocolate. Just dissolve the paste in milk or water, add sugar and season with your favourite spices, such as cinnamon or vanilla.
• Desserts: cacao paste is an ideal ingredient for preparing desserts such as brownies, chocolate cakes, truffles or milk chocolate. Just add the paste to a cake or cream to add an intense cacao flavour.
• Beverages: cacao paste can also be used to prepare various beverages, such as smoothies, shakes and shakes. Just add the paste to a blender with milk, banana or other fruits and season with your favourite spices.
• Sauces: cacao paste is an ideal ingredient for making sauces for meats, vegetables or salads. Just add the paste to the sauce and mix it with other ingredients to add an intense cacao flavour.
• Chocolate flakes: Cacao paste can also be used to make homemade chocolate flakes. Just dissolve the paste with milk, add sugar and mix with oatmeal, then dry in the oven.

Remember that cacao paste is very intense in flavour, so it should be added in moderation to dishes.

Daily dose of cacao

About 10-20 grams. Occasionally, you can increase to 50 grams.

Classification of ceremonial cacao

Any natural cacao in the form of a paste, beans, nibs (crushed cocoa beans) or powder is bitter, nevertheless, we can divide them into less bitter or dry.

Our cacao flavor scale is:

• Sweet
• Semi-sweet
• Slightly dry
• Semi-dry
• Dry
• Bitter

Allergen information: it contains no allergens

Cacao from Ghana – the best substitute for coffee

For many people, a morning caffeine boost is a must for every morning. Sometimes, however, it happens that we get into a vicious circle – the taste of coffee is completely not for us, but we have to drink one cup every morning to start the day. It’s worth trying something different that may taste better and produce similar results at the same time. Ghanaian cocoa goes great with it! All you have to do is prepare it according to your preferences and you can enjoy its fantastic taste. If we add to this a large amount of nutritional value then we discover that cocoa from Ghana is a great way to start the day.

Ghana hot chocolate – how to prepare it?

We can find many ways in which chocolate can be prepared. Ghana, or rather grains from it, are no exception. The fastest way to do this is with a blender. Just blend the grains with hot water, plant or animal milk in a blender for about a minute and you’re done! If we want our cocoa to be a bit thicker and more intense, then the traditional method can be chosen. Of course, we are talking about dissolving it in hot water, but this time using a pot. The proper consistency of such a drink will be reached after just five minutes, but if you have the time and desire for a taste experience, it is worth waiting several more minutes. The best taste will be achieved after half an hour of chocolate preparation, unfortunately, at the expense of losing vitamins and nutrients.

Ghana cocoa – numerous health properties

When it comes to cocoa, Ghana is one of the very important points on the world map. Although many associate it with a children’s drink, when properly processed and prepared it has a great deal of nutrients. Compared to green tea, it contains three times more antioxidants. We can also find properties that properly affect the formation of serotonin and the synthesis of dopamine in our body. Mineral salts, organic fats and magnesium, iron or phosphorus should also not be forgotten.

Cocoa Africa – not just for drinking

Among the world’s key cocoa producers, Africa ranks very high. Its grains are used not only for drinking, but also for other activities when preparing meals. Of course, it is perfect for all kinds of baked goods, such as brownie. It’s also worth trying it at a wine tasting – it pairs fantastically with many red spirits.