Best Chocolate Nuts
Cocoa Powder – Our Secret Weapon for the Best Chocolate Nuts in England
It’s highly likely that after reading this blog, you will go onto our shop page and buy some of our best chocolate nuts dusted in cocoa. Why, because they are simply irresistible.
What makes them so special? I would have to say, it’s the sprinklings on the top. Ever since Christopher Columbus brought the first cocoa bean to Europe’s shores, it has been a staple ingredient in so many of our foods and drinks. There’s a reason for this – cocoa has a delightful, rich taste that adds a deep flavour to our diets. Walnut Tree products included.
Cocoa powder made by?
There are actually two different types of cocoa powder, Natural cocoa and Dutch process cocoa,
The processes both begin in the same way. The cocoa beans are fermented, dried and roasted. They are kept in a warm room where the temperature is enough to allow the cocoa bean to drip butter. This removes all the fats from the beans (don’t worry though – this is not wasted, but used in many other capacities!).
This is where the processes differ. For Natural cocoa, the dry bean is ground into a powder and sold to consumers.
As Natural cocoa is quite acidic, a new way of making cocoa was developed by a Dutch chocolatier called Coenraad Johannes van Houten. He took the dry beans and soaked them in an alkaline solution, to counteract the acidity of the beans. Dutch process cocoa is less bitter than natural cocoa. It is used a lot in chocolate, ice cream and hot chocolate powders.
Health Benefits of Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is the least fatty form of chocolate.
Cocoa powder is choc-full (ha!) of antioxidants which are beneficial for heart health – better blood flow, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is linked to improved cholesterol and reducing inflammation.
As well as this, polyphenols (natural antioxidants) found in cocoa may improve brain functioning, according to Healthline. One particular element is tryptophan, which converts to serotonin, a hormone that stabilizes our mood and improves our psychological wellbeing. There is a reason people like chocolate!!
Another interesting fact we discovered is that cocoa has the highest concentration of flavanol (plant nutrients) out of all foods per weight. Research has shown that flavanols can lower your risk of getting cancer. They are also beneficial for skin health.
We must add in the caveat that natural cocoa contains more antioxidants than Dutch process, due to the alkalisation of the latter.
Walnut Tree Cocoa and the Best Chocolate Nuts
Now you know how delightful cocoa powder is, you’ll be wanting to add it to everything! Well, we haven’t gone that far, but we have some very special products dusted in cocoa that just burst with flavour and deliciousness.
For example, our whole almonds covered in milk chocolate, rolled in cocoa powder and sprinkled with cinnamon. This is a sellout every year – suitable for gluten free and vegetarian diets. They’re glorious and make an elegant after dinner treat, a wonderful indulgent snack or the perfect gift.
Or if you’re more of a walnut person, our cocoa-dusted milk chocolate pecans are absolutely divine with a coffee or a Bailey’s on a cozy evening with friends and family.
Read about Walnut Tree
Great Taste Awards
With Great Taste Awards for marron glacé, glacé fruit, dark chocolate ginger and pate de fruit. You will always be purchasing quality products from Walnut Tree.
Who we supply
Supplied under own brand or white label to prestigious stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops.
Why buy from us?
You’re buying directly from the source, so will get excellent value for money. If you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it. The website is open 24/7, orders despatched within 48 hours.
Our charitable contributions
Walnut Tree supports Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit for their care packages. www.futuredreams.org.uk
Local areas to our factory
AL1 | AL2 | AL3 | AL9 | AL10 | EN6 | EN5 | EN4 | NW4 | NW7 | NW9 | WD6 | WD7 | WD17 | | WD19 | WD23 | WD24 | WD25 | Aldenham | Barnet | Borehamwood | Brent X | Bushey | Colney Street | Edgware | Elstree | Finchley | Frogmore | Hatfield | Hendon | Hertfordshire | Hertsmere | Leavesden | London Colney | Mill Hill | New Barnet | North London | Potters Bar | Radlett | Shenley | South Mimms | Stanmore | St. Albans | Southgate | Watford | Welham Green | Whetstone | Woodside Park