Abstract
The effects of moisture content and alkali treatment on cocoa butter extraction using supercritical fluid were studied. Ground cocoa nibs were examined at moisture contents of 1.95 %, 3.91 %, 5.87 %, 9.79 % and 17.64 % and the pH of the cocoa liquor was maintained at 5.0–5.9, 6.8–7.2 and 7.5–7.9. Cocoa butter was successfully extracted, using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) for the moisture content study and SC-CO2 with 25 % ethanol as a cosolvent for the pH-level alkali treatment study, at 35 MPa, 60 °C and 2 ml/min. The results showed that increases in moisture content and pH level significantly (p < 0.05) increase the yield efficiency. A moisture content of 9.79 % and pH-alkali treatment at 7.5–7.9 produced the highest yield (60.36 % and 73.70 % at 20 and 18 h extraction time, respectively). Triglycerides (TG) and fatty acids (FAs) were similar to those found in cocoa butter obtained using the Soxhlet method. Saturated and short-chain TG and FA constituents were more soluble than unsaturated and long-chain constituents.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
