Process for the processing of cacao beans

摘要

A process for producing cocoa powder is disclosed wherein alkali treated cacao mass or cocoa powder is mixed with hot water maintained at 70 DEG to 130 DEG C. to dissolve a water-soluble portion of the cacao beans in hot water. Alternately the cacao mass or cocoa powder is mixed with hot water containing an alkali and maintained at 70 DEG to 130 DEG C. to dissolve the water-soluble portion in hot water and simultaneously to treat the cacao mass or cocoa powder with the alkali. The water-soluble portion/fine particle portion mixture is isolated and dried to produce a cocoa powder.