Raw chocolate has become known as a nutrient-dense superfood, akin to the sea buckthorn berry, a local miracle food.
Cacao contains the mood-boosting amino acid tryptophan and cocoa oil, which is said to fuel calorie burn. Raw chocolate does not contain any added sugar, but amateur chocolatiers can add in other ingredients with health-boosting benefits, such as lucuma powder, a sweetener high in vitamins and minerals.
Indulging in this superfood is not cheap. A 400 gram package costs nearly 30 euros, but this hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of those who crave it.
“I would almost claim that it aids weight loss,” says Lappeenranta native Mia Glad, who has become a fan of homemade chocolate.
Chocolate-making kits come with agave syrup for sweetening. Raw chocolate has just three ingredients: cocoa powder, cocoa oil and sweetener. However other ingredients, such as nuts, can be added depending on personal taste.
