Characterization of endocarp powder derived from cocoa pod

Abstract

The cocoa pod husk is a largely underexploited by-product of the cocoa value chain. Functionalization of this valuable side-stream as fiber source would be of great economic and ecological benefit, providing potential additional income opportunities for farmers as well as exploiting a bigger fraction of the cocoa bean. In this study, the endocarp from the cocoa pod husk was processed with a planetary ball mill. Processing parameters such as milling time and rotational speed were investigated and showed to have a major impact on the micronization of the cocoa pod endocarp (CPE). To obtain particles smaller than 30 μm two milling steps, pre-milling and fine milling, with different ball diameters (20 and 10 mm) were necessary. The processed CPE was characterized in size, color, crystallinity, and morphology as function of the energy input. A significant color change of the powder was observed with increased energy input. Similar to that, the decomposition temperature, crystallinity and morphology, changed to more amorphous and rougher surfaces. Thus, depending on the size, shape and surface of the powder, the flow behavior in suspension could be adjusted. This research contributes to a better characterization of cocoa pod endocarp powder and its use in confectionery products as fiber source or coloring agent. • A planetary ball mill is effective to micronize cocoa pod endocarp to particle sizes of 30 μm. • Grinding rate and energy consumption of the planetary mill were investigated. • Cocoa pod endocarp powder color, morphology and crystallinity were evaluated.