Method for enhancing post-processing content of beneficial compounds in foodstuffs made with cocoa beans

摘要

A new cocoa bean processing technique which, in stark contrast to conventional cocoa processing methods, preserves the beneficial flavanoid compounds of cocoa beans in finished, cocoa bean-based foodstuffs. The present method produces roasted cocoa beans that can be ground and the liquor can be either cooled and allowed to solidify (unsweetened chocolate) or pressed and re-ground to form cocoa powder. The resulting cocoa powder can then be used in a traditional manner to make sweetened chocolate products such as candy and beverages for consumption by humans or animals. The resulting products will be a source of flavanoid compounds, which are known antioxidants.