New Superfood : Cupuacu!

Cupuacu (theobroma grandiflorum)

Theobroma Grandiflorum ("coo poo ah sue") is the sister tree to Theobroma Cacao - also known as Chocolate! This is seriously my FAVORITE new super fruit - being Chocolate Girl how could I not want everyone to love my sister Cupuacu! Like so many wonderful things from Brazil (like Camu Camu, Cacao, and of course Acai!) Cupuacu is well worth a taste! 

Our Freeze-Dried Cupuacu is USDA & IBD Certified Organic, Kosher and promotes Fair Trade. Grown in fertile, well drained soil in the canopy of the Brazilian Rainforest, Cupuacu is considered the most promising of all fruits from the lush Amazon. This newest super fruit discovery is known for its creamy exotic tasting pulp, which has a prized exotic taste, combining elements of chocolate, bananas and passion fruit. The pulp is used throughout Brazil and Peru to make fresh juice, ice cream, jam and tarts (and, in the Gnosis Chocolate kitchen - for truffles and more coming!)

Indigenous peoples and local communities along the Amazon have cultivated Cupuacu as a primary food source for generations. In former times, the seeds were traded along the Rio Negro and Upper Orinoco rivers where indigenous people drink Cupuacu juice after it has been blessed by a shaman to facilitate difficult births. The beans are utilized by the indigenous Tikuna people for abdominal pains. I've tried some Cupuacu Bean 'chocolate' which is absolutely extraordinary and we're in the midst of getting some for you!

Cupuacu contains unique Polyphenols (Antioxidant Phytonutrients) called Theograndins, with incredibly potent antioxidant properties found nowhere else on earth. Add to this an abundance of 9 other powerful antioxidant, including Vitamins A and C, and Cupuacu becomes a truly full spectrum antioxidant. This incredible Superfood is also filled with Essential Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, Phosphorous, Fiber, and Vitamins B1, B2 and B3 (Niacin). With such a rich profile and deliciously exotic taste, you will see why Cupuacu is considered a delicacy throughout South America.

Research is currently underway to determine if Cupuacu, or isolated Theograndins in Cupuacu, will have a place in cancer therapy due to its ability to effectively kill colon cancer cells in laboratory tests. Cupuacu is traditionally used by indigenous peoples as a major food source, to alleviate abdominal pain, and to aid in difficult births. Many new health benefits have now been discovered... Cupuacu is believed to address:

• Anti-Aging, Increased Energy & Stamina, Mental Function/Alertness, Immune System Support, Stabilize and Neutralize Free Radicals, Strengthen Cardiovascular System, Cholesterol, Heart Disease, Colon Health, Skin Rejuvenation, Healthy Hair, Weight Loss, Pain Relief, Digestive System, High Blood Pressure, Protect Artery Walls, Diabetes, Sooth Intestinal Tract, Cataracts, Age Related Macular Degeneration

Directions: Cupuacu is a delicious treat when added to your favorite mylk, smoothies, cereal, ice cream, or a young coconut!

Finding Cupuaçu in Gnosis Chocolate!

Cupuacu Acai Spread (2 sizes)
Cashews*, Cacao Butter*, Agave Nectar*, Coconut*, Cupuacu Fruit*, Aronia Berry*, Acai Berry*, Vanilla Bean*, Love. *organic     More Info

Net Wt 2oz (56g) $6     

 Net Wt 8oz (224g) $18     

Passion Collection Truffles 3 piece truffle box $1049

1 ea: Aphrodisia Truffle, Cupuacu Truffle, White Rose Truffle

Raw Organic Cupuacu Powder Net Wt 4oz (112g) $25

For use in all your home recipes - from smoothies to ice cream!

Origin: Brazil (very little is needed - approx 1tsp makes your smoothies taste like passion fruit!) 

GOLDEN TICKET WINNER: Rosanne S.

My name is Rosanne Spinner and I live in New Hyde Park, New York.  I'm a holistic health coach as well as the laughter yoga leader of "Spinner's Grinner's" Laughter Yoga Club.  Growing up for me had its challenges.  My mother was very ill from the time I was 6 years old until her death 25 years later.  Junk foods and candy were my comfort during those years. 

By the time I was a young adult, I had reached an unmanageable weight.   I had to learn to deconstruct my cravings, and then, the cravings went away.  I gave up sugary junk foods and LOST 100 pounds.  But what I GAINED was a compassion to help others find their truth.  In addition, I'm a grateful breast cancer survivor since 1997.   I became a board-certified holistic health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in 2009 which was "the journey of a lifetime".  I've become very intrigued with the therapeutic and preventive health benefits of laughter yoga, and that, I believe, is where I found my dharma.  In addition, I refer people with various health concerns to my fellow IIN health coaches through my business, Rosanne Spinner Holistic Health, Inc. These days, I eat whole foods, no added sugar, very little (humanely raised) red meat, as well as poultry and fish. 

As I gave up sugar in 1975 (cold turkey), I was very happy to meet and be introduced to Vanessa and sample her scrumptious Gnosis Chocolate during the school year at IIN.  I remember how heavenly it was, and I was so happy that it is soy-free as well.  I saved the wrapper in a special file folder, and recently placed an order.  The only flavor I've tried so far is "Simplicity".  What I like about Gnosis Chocolate is that their ingredients are JUST what I was looking for.  Many other so-called healthy chocolates have beet sugar, cane juice, and/or soy lecithin in them.  I recently made a batch of Black Bean Fudge Brownies using Gnosis chocolate, and they were delicious - a little goes a long way with flavor, too - which I love, since I'm calorie conscious.  The message that I would like to impart to those reading this is:  although I was a binge eater - this chocolate is NOT something that I am tempted to binge on, but rather savor slowly.  It is obvious that a lot of care went into the Gnosis recipe and I'm so grateful for the syncronicity that put me and Gnosis chocolate in the same place at the right time!  I tell everyone I know that Gnosis Chocolate is the only chocolate that I believe in!