I recently got a sampler of Crio Bru--which is cacao beans ground for brewing like coffee.
I'm *so* happy with it and it'll be a regular beverage for me. Probably not every day, but a couple of times a week.
It's interesting. They say you can brew it in a drip coffee maker, but I wouldn't. I'd stick with the recommended approach of a french press. It needs to brew longer (10 minutes) and the cocoa butter leaves a significant residue.
I've tried three flavors so far and have two more. 1/
2/
It's interesting: if you taste the water right after pouring it over the beans, it's bitter. But as it brews, the natural sweetness of the cacao comes out.
I like it hot with a very small amount of sugar, or cold with some soy milk. I was disappointed by the one which has artificial flavors added, but enjoyed the Ultimate Dark and *loved* the Ghana light roast.
Almost no caffeine, but the theobromine has a definite relaxing/anti-anxiety effect and (I think) improves my focus.
@XSGeek @tyghebright
My thoughts exactly
The french press they offer is on the smaller side: 34 oz.
Their instructions are 1/2 cup of cacao in the French Press--and this seems to be a good ratio. So if you use your own, keep in mind that yours may be bigger.
This is the starter kit I ordered
https://criobru.com/collections/crio-bru-bundles/products/sampler-starter-kit
@tyghebright @XSGeek @PurpleDragon
You had me at Ghanaian chocolate.
Wonder if it would work with an Aeropress? Then I could just order the flavors I like
@tyghebright @XSGeek
Nevermind, they have it on the site that it will work...
Mmmmm peppermint cacao here I come
@tyghebright Thank you!!!! Ordered peppermint, double choc and pumpkin spice 😋 😋
3/3
I'm somewhat caffeine sensitive and can't drink much coffee without feeling on edge. Tea doesn't affect me the same way. The theobromine seems to counteract the caffeine (and there's less of it).
But man, neither tea nor coffee have this overall effect.