Cacao

Cacao (or cocoa) beans are technically not beans or legumes, but rather the seeds of the fruit (pods) of the Theobroma cacao tree. This superfood is commonly enjoyed in a number of forms, including as cacao nibs (cacao beans that have been removed from their husks and broken down into small pieces) and cacao powder (cacao nibs that have been ground into a powder after most of the fat (aka cacao butter) has been mechanically pressed out).

Cacao can be consumed raw or roasted, but like so many food items, it’s most nutritious when consumed raw because cacao in its raw state hasn’t undergone any high heating and therefore retains more nutrients and health properties.