Almond Extract - Steenbergs - 100ml

Whether it is the satisfying "snap" of a dark chocolate bar or the way a rich body butter sinks into your skin, you are experiencing the unique molecular physics of cocoa butter. Known botanically as the fat of the Theobroma cacao (literally "Food of the Gods"), cacao butter is one of the most stable and highly prized fats on Earth. At Whole Foods Earth, we believe in using it in its most natural state. To understand why, we need to look at the chemistry that happens at 34°C. A Biological Miracle: The Melting Point Cocoa butter is fascinating because it is a solid at room temperature 20°C but melts almost instantly at body temperature 37°C. This isn't a coincidence; it is due to its specific triglyceride composition. It is primarily made of three fatty acids: Stearic, Palmitic, and Oleic. Because these molecules are arranged in a very tidy, crystalline structure, they hold their shape firmly until they hit the magic threshold of the human touch. This is why real chocolate doesn't feel "greasy"—it only releases its flavour the moment it hits your tongue. The Stearic Acid Factor: A Different Kind of Saturated Fat In the UK, we are often told to be wary of saturated fats. However, science shows that not all saturated fats are created equal. The Truth: Cocoa butter is high in Stearic Acid. Unlike other saturated fats, the liver quickly converts stearic acid into Oleic Acid (the same heart-healthy fat found in olive oil). The Result: This makes pure cocoa butter a much more neutral fat in terms of cholesterol when compared to animal fats or chemically altered vegetable oils. Polymorphism: The Art of the "Snap" Have you ever seen chocolate that has turned white or crumbly? That is a failure of polymorphism. Cocoa butter can crystallise into six different shapes. Scientists and master chocolatiers aim for "Form V". This specific crystal structure is what gives cocoa butter its glossy sheen and that famous "snap." When cocoa butter is poorly handled or subjected to temperature swings, it shifts into Form VI, causing the fat to "bloom" (the white streaks). This doesn't mean it’s gone bad; it just means the crystals have moved! Raw vs. Deodorised: Why the Smell Matters If you buy standard supermarket cocoa butter, it is often white and odourless. This is deodorised cocoa butter. To achieve this, the fat is treated with high heat and often chemical solvents to strip away the "chocolate" smell. At Whole Foods Earth, we advocate for Raw, Unrefined Cocoa Butter. Retention of Polyphenols: Raw cocoa butter is a pale yellow colour because it still contains the plant’s natural antioxidants and Vitamin E. The Aroma: It smells like a bar of dark chocolate because the aromatic compounds haven't been "boiled" away. Skin Bioavailability: For skincare, unrefined cocoa butter retains its natural moisture-sealing properties without the need for synthetic perfumes or fillers. A Versatile Tool for a Healthy Lifestyle Because of its stability (it has a shelf life of 2 to 5 years), cocoa butter is a staple for a "clean" pantry and bathroom: In the Kitchen: Use it to make your own "raw" chocolates or add it to smoothies for a slow-release energy source that doesn't spike your insulin. In the Bathroom: It is a "barrier" fat. It doesn't just sit on top of the skin; it forms a protective layer that prevents Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), which is essential during the dry UK winter months. Beyond the Myth Cocoa butter isn't a "magic" stretch mark cure or a "superfood" miracle—it is a stable, highly efficient plant fat that works in harmony with human biology. Whether you are eating it or wearing it, the science is clear: the less you process it, the better it works. Cacao vs. Cocoa: Is it the same thing? To clarify a common point of confusion in the UK health aisles: biologically, cacao and cocoa butter are the same thing. Both are the pure fat extracted from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. However, in the world of nutrition and labelling, the choice of word tells you everything about the processing temperature. Cacao vs. Cocoa: The Heat Factor Cacao Butter: Usually refers to the "raw" version. The fat is extracted via cold-pressing the beans. By keeping the temperature below 45°C, the delicate antioxidants and live enzymes remain intact. This is the version we prioritise at Whole Foods Earth because it is the most chemically complete. Cocoa Butter: Typically refers to beans that have been roasted at high temperatures before the fat is extracted. While this creates a deeper, more "toasted" chocolate aroma, the high heat can degrade some of the more sensitive phytonutrients. In short: if you see "Cacao," you are buying a product that has been handled with biological preservation in mind; if you see "Cocoa," you are likely buying a product processed for flavour and mass-market shelf stability. Shop our Organic Cacao Butter Buttons

Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday afternoon tea or a full-blown Sunday showstopper, we Brits take our baking seriously. But as we become more mindful of what we put into our bodies, many of us are looking to ditch the "white stuff." Refined sugar provides sweetness but very little else. Fortunately, nature has provided a pantry-full of alternatives that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring deep caramel notes, moisture, and even a little extra nutrition to your bakes. If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen cupboard, here are five natural alternatives to refined sugar that you can find right here at Whole Food Earth. 1. Organic Coconut Sugar: The 1-to-1 Hero If you’re new to natural baking, Organic Coconut Sugar is your best friend. Made from the sap of the coconut palm, it has a gorgeous, deep scent reminiscent of toasted caramel or butterscotch. Why bakers love it: Unlike liquid sweeteners, coconut sugar has a similar texture to brown sugar. You can usually swap it in a 1-to-1 ratio for white or brown sugar in most recipes. Best for: Chewy cookies, flapjacks, and coffee cakes. Top Tip: It doesn’t dissolve quite as quickly as white sugar, so give your butter and "sugar" mixture an extra minute of whisking to get it nice and smooth. 2. Date Sugar: The "Whole Food" Winner Technically, Date Sugar isn't "sugar" at all—it’s simply dried, pitted dates that have been ground into a fine powder. This makes it the ultimate choice for those who want to keep their ingredients as close to the earth as possible. Why bakers love it: Because it’s made from the whole fruit, it retains the fibre and minerals found in the date. This means it doesn't cause the same aggressive "sugar spike" as refined varieties. Best for: Adding to porridge, crumbles, and dense loaves like banana bread. Top Tip: Since it is ground fruit, it doesn’t melt or dissolve. Avoid using it in delicate sponges or meringues where a smooth texture is vital. 3. Erythritol: The Low-Calorie Choice For those watching their calorie intake or following a keto lifestyle, Erythritol is a game-changer. It is a sugar alcohol found naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. Why bakers love it: It has about 70% of the sweetness of table sugar but contains zero calories and has a zero glycemic index (meaning it doesn't affect blood sugar levels). Best for: Light sponges, muffins, and tea loaves. Top Tip: Erythritol can have a slight "cooling" sensation on the tongue. To balance this, try using it in recipes that feature warm spices like cinnamon or ginger. 4. Maple Syrup: Liquid Gold Maple syrup isn't just for pancakes. Pure Organic Maple Syrup is a fantastic way to add moisture and a distinct, woody sweetness to your bakes. Why bakers love it: It’s incredibly rich in antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese. It also adds a beautiful golden hue to your crusts. Best for: Drizzling over traybakes, sweetening raw vegan tarts, or making homemade granola. Top Tip: When swapping a dry sugar for maple syrup, reduce the other liquids in your recipe (like milk or water) by about 60ml for every 250ml of syrup used to keep the consistency right. 5. Chopped Dates & Raisins: Nature's Candy Sometimes, you don't need a powder or a syrup at all. Organic Chopped Dates or Raisins can act as the primary sweetener in many rustic bakes. Why bakers love it: You get a burst of sweetness in every bite along with a boost of iron and potassium. Best for: Scones, fruit cakes, and "raw" energy balls. Top Tip: Soak your dates in boiling water for 10 minutes and then blend them into a paste. This "date paste" can be used as a direct replacement for liquid sweeteners in cake batters for a moist, fudgy result. Ready to start your sugar-free baking journey? At Whole Food Earth, we believe that eating well shouldn't mean missing out on the joy of a home-baked treat. By switching to natural alternatives, you're not just "quitting sugar"—you're discovering a whole new world of flavour.

Why Cocoa Liquor is the Secret to the Ultimate ‘Gooey’ Bake? For the serious home baker, making the perfect brownie is like a special ritual. We’ve all been there: chasing that elusive, paper-thin crackle on top and a centre so fudgy it’s practically molten. Most high-street recipes rely on standard cocoa powder or melted supermarket chocolate, but these often result in a "cakey" or overly sweet finish. If you want a professional, truffle-like density that stays gooey for days, you have to look at the chemistry of your fats and solids. The secret used by artisan patisseries? Cocoa Liquor. By moving away from processed chocolate and back to raw building blocks, you gain total control over the texture and intensity of your bake. The Recipe: Professional Cacao Paste Brownies Yield: 16 Decadent Squares | Prep time: 15 mins | Bake time: 20–25 mins The Ingredient List (Metric) 200g Whole Food Earth Cocoa Liquor (Cacao Paste): Chopped finely. 100g Whole Food Earth Organic Cacao Butter: For a silkier, cleaner melt. 250g Organic Coconut Sugar: For deep, natural caramelisation. 3 Large Free-Range Eggs: Essential they are at room temperature. 1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste & A generous pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt. 80g Spelt Flour (or Almond Flour for GF): Low gluten keeps the structure soft. 50g Organic Cacao Powder: Sifted to remove lumps. 100g Raw Cacao Nibs (Optional): For a sophisticated, crunchy inclusion. The Method 1. The Gentle Melt Preheat your fan oven to 160°C. Line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking tin with greaseproof paper, leaving an overhang to help you lift the brownies out later. Using a bain-marie (a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water), slowly melt the Cocoa Liquor and Cacao Butter. Ensure the base of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Once glossy, remove from the heat and stir in the Coconut Sugar. 2. The Emulsion In a separate large bowl, whisk your room-temperature eggs and vanilla for about 3 minutes until pale and aerated. Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture into the eggs, folding gently with a spatula. You’re looking for a thick, glossy emulsion that holds its shape in "ribbons." 3. Sift and Fold Sift the Cacao Powder, flour, and salt directly into the bowl. Fold together with a large metal spoon or spatula until just combined. Crucial: Over-mixing at this stage develops gluten, which turns a gooey brownie into a sponge cake. Stop the moment the streaks of flour disappear. 4. The Bake Pour the batter into the tin and level the top. If using Cacao Nibs, scatter them evenly now. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The Pro Test: Give the tin a gentle shake at 20 minutes. The edges should look set and slightly papery, but the centre should still have a distinct "wobble." If a skewer comes out clean, you’ve overbaked them. You want sticky, fudgy crumbs on that skewer. 5. The Setting Phase This is the hardest part of the recipe: Patience. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin at room temperature. For that professional, dense fudge texture, refrigerate the tin for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before slicing. This allows the cacao butter to set the structure into a gooey masterpiece. Precision in Every Batch In professional baking, the margin between a masterpiece and a mistake is measured in grams. We know that when you’re prepping a 6kg bulk order for a busy café or a high-stakes Easter event, you need to trust your supply chain. At Whole Food Earth, we treat your ingredients with the same precision you bring to your kitchen. Whether you are ordering a 500g pouch of Cacao Butter or a 6kg wholesale haul of Cocoa Liquor, our tracking and verification systems ensure that what you receive is exactly what your recipe requires. Ready to elevate your Easter baking? From raw ingredients for the pros to ready-to-eat vegan treats for the family, explore our full collection today. Shop Our Professional Cacao Range