Cacao tea is an herbal tea that is made from the nutrient-rich husks of cacao beans. It is a naturally sweet, antioxidant-packed infusion with a rich chocolatey aroma and a smooth flavour. Learn how to make a cup of tea with cacao husks.
What is Cacao Tea?
It is an herbal infusion made from the husks of cacao beans. The husks are the outer shells that encases the cacao beans. This tea may also be referred to as “chocolate tea”.
Cacao tea can also be made with cacao nibs or cacao powder, but this tutorial features and highlights the husks. That is because making an herbal tea out of cacao husks is recognized for its sustainability. The husks could be discarded after processing cacao beans into chocolate. Instead, repurposing cacao husks into tea reduces waste while offering a flavourful and antioxidant-rich beverage.
This herbal tea is considered naturally caffeine-free. However, it does contain theobromine which is a gentle stimulant that can enhance energy.
Health Benefits of Cacao Tea
Making a cup of herbal tea with cacao husks has its benefits. However, please note that you should always consult a medical professional before taking any herbs for health purposes.
Cacao tea is:
- High in Antioxidants: this supports overall health.
- Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: including potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper and zinc.
- A Gentle Energy Booster: it contains theobromine which can provide a natural lift without the jitters of caffeine.
- Low Calorie: naturally sweet chocolate flavour without the guilt.
How to Make Cacao Tea
To prepare this herbal tea you will need:
- Water: Freshly boiled (100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Cacao Husks: 2 teaspoons of cacao husks per cup
- Teaware: Teapot and/or mug with infuser basket or tea strainer
- Optional: Sweetener (ie. sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Find a printable recipe card below with the full measurements and directions, too!
Step 1:
To begin, pour warm water into your steeping vessel (teapot or mug), swirl it around carefully then discard. This will warm the teapot or mug which will help the herbal tea steep properly and retain heat.
Step 2:
Add cacao husks to the warm teapot or infuser mug. Pour freshly boiled water over the husks, cover the teapot or mug with a lid or small plate and steep for 5 minutes.
Step 3:
If using a teapot without an infuser, pour the steeped tea into a cup over a strainer to catch the loose husks. If using an infuser in the teapot or mug, remove the infuser basket when the steeping process is complete.
Step 4:
If desired, add sweetener of your choice to the cup and stir until dissolved. This is completely optional of course, however, it can elevate the rich chocolate flavour. Enjoy!
Variations
If you would like to try this herbal tea with additional ingredients, here are some ideas.
- Spiced Cacao Tea: For a more cozy experience, steep cacao husks with cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger and cardamom pods.
- Mint Cacao Tea: For a chocolate-mint flavour, steep with dried or fresh mint leaves.
- Vanilla Cacao Tea: For a subtle warm creaminess, add vanilla extract to the tea before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cacao tea taste like?
It has a tantalizing chocolatey aroma and mild dark chocolate taste that is smooth and comforting.
Does cacao husk tea contain caffeine?
No. While chocolate does contain caffeine, cacao tea is considered naturally caffeine-free as it is made from the cacao husks and not the cacao beans. The husks contain very little to no caffeine but is rich in theobromine which can still provide a gentle energy boost.
Where can I buy cacao tea?
To experience this tea, look for 100% pure cacao husk tea or cacao shells in tea shops or online. Here is an option from Sacred Bean (affiliate link).
Cacao Tea
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons cacao tea cacao husks/shells
- 1 cup water freshly boiled
- 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice optional
Instructions
- To begin, pour warm water into your steeping vessel (teapot or mug), swirl it around carefully then discard. This will warm the teapot or mug which will help the herbal tea steep properly and retain heat.
- Add cacao husk tea to the warm teapot or infuser mug. Pour freshly boiled water over the husks, cover the teapot or mug with a lid or small plate and steep for 5 minutes.
- If using a teapot without an infuser, pour the steeped tea into a cup over a strainer to catch the loose cacao husks. If using an infuser in the teapot or mug, remove the infuser basket when the steeping process is complete.
- If desired, add sweetener of your choice (ie. sugar, honey, maple syrup) to the cup of cacao tea and stir until dissolved. This is optional, however, it can elevate the rich chocolate flavour. Enjoy!