Factors Affecting the Color of Roasted Cocoa Bean

Abstract

The cacao bean of the Ivory Coast variety was convectionally roasted. The influence of parameters of air (temperature from the scope T=110-150C, the speed of its flow v=0.5 and 1.0m/s, and the relative humidity=0.3-0.8% or 2 and 5.0%) and time on the degree of browning of the cacao bean was analyzed. For the evaluation of the quality of the grain, two indicators were applied: OD460/OD525 and the F1/F3 ratio. Based on the data obtained, using the response surface methodology has optimized the process of cocoa roasting for its acceptable color. Practical Applications: The process of roasting the cacao bean should contribute to achieving the acceptable physicochemical properties, such as the appropriate degree of browning of the bean. From a point of view of the technology of chocolate production, it is essential to know which factors of the roasting process will have a significant influence on the color change of the roasted cacao bean. It will allow one to predict changes in roasted bean and to select process conditions depending on quality requirements of the grain. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.