D-Selva Science
Wild Cacao
The unique and rare wild cacao, Criollo Amazonico, originates in the Bolivian lowlands in the province of Beni. The gatherers, mostly Chimane Indians, seek out the widely scattered cacao islands, where they collect the ripened fruit from the trees. They then bring the pods to pre-designated collection points using horses or dugout canoes. The beans are then fermented and dried in the sun at these points. The trees are not cultivated, they are left to nature and are not cut or fertilized.
The wild Bolivian beans are small – almost half the size of their cultivated brothers and genetically independent from other known cacaos. It is because of their size that the international chocolate market initially turned them away, maybe perceiving them inferior.
It is of interest to note, and admire, that the price paid for the wild beans has risen over 300% in the past ten years: from $US 0.80 per kilogram in 2002, to the current $US 3.00 per kilogram paid now. An impressive rise brought about by a competitive and growing market. This is one of the reasons we pay good money for a nice bar of chocolate from the best cacao beans in the world.
Bolivian Quinoa
Quinoa, pronounced ‘keen-wa’ is a great wheat-free alternative to starchy grains. There are three types: black, red and creamy white. All types are slightly bitter when cooked and open up to release little white curls (like a tail) as they soften.
Grown in South America (Peru, Chile and Bolivia) for thousands of years, quinoa formed the staple diet of the Incas and their descendants. In recent years, foodies in the UK and the US have heralded it as a superior alternative to bulgur wheat, couscous and rice. Though it often occupies a similar role to these grains in dishes, quinoa is actually in the same family as beets, chard and spinach.
A fourth type of Quinoa is the Royal Quinoa that only grows in the Bolivian slaty flat lands above 4.000 m sea level. The UN named 2013 ‘International Quinoa Year’ in recognition of the crop’s high nutrient content. With twice the protein content of rice or barley, quinoa is also a very good source of calcium, magnesium and manganese. It also possesses good levels of several B vitamins, vitamin E and dietary fibre.Cooked quinoa seeds become fluffy and creamy, yet maintains a slight crunch. It has a delicate and subtly nutty flavor, versatile for breakfast (as a cereal), lunch (as a salad) or dinner (as a side).
Quinoa is among the least allergenic of all the grains, making it a fantastic wheat-free choice. Like buckwheat, quinoa has an excellent amino acid profile, as it contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete-protein source. Quinoa is therefore an excellent choice for vegans who may struggle to get enough protein in their diets.
Quinoa is high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which make it potentially beneficial for human health in the prevention and treatment of disease. Quinoa contains small amounts of the heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and, in comparison to common cereal grasses has a higher content of monounsaturated fat.
As a complete protein, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids – including the elusive lysine and isoleucine acids, which most other grains lack. Naturally high in dietary fibre, quinoa is a slowly digested carbohydrate, making it a good low-GI option.
Organic Bananas
Our Fairtrade organic bananas are grown-organically by farmers like Sandra Martinez, in the Palos Blancos region just down the high mountains high in the Bolivan Andes.Sandra´s farm is abundant with wildlife - sweet water crab, frogs, sparrowhawks, woodpeckers, parrots, and toucans. A sure-fire sign of healthy soil and waterways that are not being poisoned by toxic chemicals typically used in conventional banana farming.
What many people don’t realise is that Fairtrade certification also sets some pretty strict environmental standards. Farmers use organic fertiliser and sustainable farming techniques where possible to help limit their environmental impact
About Energy bars
D-selva makes the best-tasting, freshest, and most nutritious energy bars on the planet. Our bars are gluten free, sugar free or low sugar and chemical free. D-selva is an easy way to get in calories on those long rides or in long races, as all of our bars have over 200 calories. D-selva Energy Bars feature ingredients you can actually pronounce and flavors you really want to eat. A harvest of naturally good foods that will exceed your energy demands.
About Energy gels
Raise your hyper-state of awareness with outrageously delicious tastes that are natural and chemical free. Release your body from harmful sugars, agave and soy...while elevating your Vegan soul. Find nirvana in a sensory experience that's purely magical, inspired by the diet of our ancient ancestors - Quinoa. Awaken your animal spirit, spark the fire within, and quench your thirst for clean-burning fuel with D-selva energy Gels.
About Energy cereals
Text
About Quinoa Energy Drink
Text