An overview: the effect of fermentation and roasting methods on cocoa quality

Abstract

Cocoa is Indonesia’s most important commodity and one that can contribute to economic development but has a problem, which is the low quality of cocoa produced. Differences in cocoa type, roasting and fermentation affect the quality content of cocoa such as antioxidants, free fatty acid and the fat profile of cocoa. Of the different methods of cocoa bean processing that affect the changes in antioxidant compounds are fermentation and roasting. Fermentation is best with 6 days in producing the aroma flavor of cocoa precursors and bulk cocoa type with an optimal time of 5-7 and fine cocoa type with an optimal time of 3-4 days. Superheated steam method slows down the rate of decline in antioxidant content, this condition is different from the conventional roasting method commonly used because it removes a lot of cocoa antioxidant content and accelerates the decline in antioxidant activity. Non-fermentation treatment results in low free fatty acid values while fermentation treatment can increase free fatty acid content but can be controlled by the addition of alkalization. on the fat profile geographical location such as differences in country of origin affects the content of fatty acid composition but fermentation and roasting processes has no significant effect on the fatty acid composition of cocoa.