Cocoa powder: what it is, types, use

Cocoa is not only a delicious, flavorful drink. It contains useful substances: fiber, from 3 to 9% of the daily norm of iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, antioxidants, minerals. This favorite drink is prepared from cocoa powder. Let's consider how it is obtained, as well as types and other uses of this product.

How cocoa powder is produced

Cocoa powder is obtained from cocoa beans. They are roasted, crushed, then from the resulting mass remove the oil by separation. After this process, solids remain. They are crushed to the state of fine powder.

To get natural cocoa powder, the beans are roasted, then ground. It has a rich chocolate aroma, tart taste, a little sour. It is used in the confectionery industry, added to baked goods and beverages.

The second kind of whatpowder is alkalized. This is a process of alkalization. To cocoa beans in the roasting process, a solution of calcium carbonate, a saturated alkali, is added. As a result, cocoa powder acquires a dark, rich color. Initially, the natural raw material is gray-brown in color. Alkalization gives cocoa powder such properties:

• The acidity of the product is reduced.
• The flavor softens and becomes more intense.
• Cocoa powder is much easier to mix with various liquids. Thanks to this it is possible to prepare a cocoa drink.
• Alkalized cocoa powder is better for baking, because it withstands higher temperatures and the finished products retain a chocolate flavor.

Types of cocoa powder

Cocoa powder differs by the degree of fat content:

• Fatty powder contains 22-24% cocoa butter. It is used in order to prepare confectionery glazes, cream for biscuits, hot chocolate.
• Semi-fat cocoa powder contains 17-20% cocoa butter. Most often it is used to prepare a cocoa beverage. The product turns out quite caloric, it retains a pleasant flavor of chocolate.
• Cocoa powder with a fat content of 14% is used in confectionery products as a flavoring and coloring agent.

Like coffee, cocoa powder can be brewed and instant. The beverage is boiled for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the type of powder. Usually the method of preparation is indicated on the product packaging. Soluble cocoa powder is prepared according to the same principle as instant coffee. Brewed cocoa is pulverized in a special machine and dried. A fine powder is formed. To prepare a drink, it is enough to pour it with boiling water.

Application of cocoa powder

Cocoa powder is used in many people's favorite products:

• Chocolate - dark, black, milk, depending on its cocoa powder content.
• Chocolate cake with cherry filling.
• A drink made from milk, cocoa and sugar that many people like to consume hot.
• Cake Cream.
• Cocoa powder is added to cookies, cupcakes.

Cocoa powder has a non-standard application. It is added for coloring and flavoring decorative soft toys made of fabric and other handmade crafts. Cocoa powder is also used as a cosmetic in face masks and body scrubs.