The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
Spring
is here! Before we can greet the newfound sunshine with ease, we’ll
have to face the facts—it’s time for some good ol’ fashioned spring
cleaning. Whether or not putting in some elbow grease is part of your
springtime routine, there’s no better time to do deep cleaning. Why?
Because spring is all about new life and freshness, of course! Plus, who
wants a grungy, dusty home, while allergens are already filling the air?
If
the thought of a tidy house isn’t enough to convince you to embrace
spring cleaning, maybe the idea of giving back will. This year, donate
some of the material items that are cluttering your space
to charity! The purpose and process of spring cleaning can have both
your best interests and the interests of others in mind, as well; spread
the word!
Kitchen
If you’ve been buying (or making!) canned goods
like you’re 100% sure that the apocalypse is on the horizon, it’s time
to clean out that pantry! You may not appreciate all of those canned
foods that are near their expiration dates, but someone who is suffering from food insecurity
definitely will. While organizing your nonperishables, consider
donating items you don’t plan on using anytime soon to your local food
pantry. If you got way too many kitchen tools and appliances during the
holidays, re-gift them (it’s an okay thing to do, under these
circumstances)! C’mon, do you really need seven can openers? I think not.
Bathrooms
Your
local homeless shelter will gladly take some towels that are in good
condition off your hands. Donate some of the toiletries from your
bathroom cabinets, too! If you have an unusually large collection of
mini hotel shampoos, conditioners, and soaps, those will be just fine to
give away. If you’re a bargain shopper who bought 10 too many shampoo
and conditioner duo packs, think about whether or not you absolutely
need them all.
Books & Toys
The next step, after teaching your kids about sharing, is to teach them about giving back. If their playroom is messy and full of things
that don’t seem to entertain them anymore, talk to them about donating.
Holding onto items with great sentimental value is perfectly okay, but
the rest can go! Group homes and children’s hospitals will happily
accept gently used children’s items, such as books and toys.
Clothes
Cleaning out your closet
is a huge part of spring cleaning. You’d be surprised by how much
clothing is sitting in your overstuffed drawers that you haven’t worn in
quite some time or doesn’t fit anymore. Figure out what you want to
keep, what you can part with, and what has to be thrown out due to
stains or irreparable tears. Look into donating at the Goodwill,
Salvation Army, Dress for Success, or your local thrift store. By donating clothes, you’ll be helping out those in need and reducing waste by allowing your clothes to be reused.
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