Australia – The Husk Mill has created a variety of delicate teas by steeping cacao bean husks.
The Husk Mill has created a variety of nutritious chocolate-flavoured teas by brewing the outer shells of the cacao bean. The founders, seeking to repurpose the typically discarded product and elevate its health benefits, noticed a gap in the market for a healthy alternative to coffee and sweets. Although caffeine-free, cacao and its husk contain theobromine, which helps to release endorphins, giving a pleasant buzz throughout the day.
To produce the tea, the beans are harvested and dried, and then poured into a winnowing machine, which separates the husks from the beans. The result is a beverage rich in antioxidants, potassium and magnesium.
The husk is becoming a sought-after ingredient. For more on how brands are elevating humble ingredients, read our seed, The Whole Fruit.