Evaluation of the fermentation process and final quality of five cacao clones from the department of Huila, Colombia.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the microfermentation process of five cacao clones, ICS 01, ICS 95, ICS 39, TSH 565 and CCN 51, from the department of Huila, Colombia. These clones were characterized by their physicochemical properties followed by their fermentation process. The behavior of temperature, pH, total acidity, total polyphenols and fermentation index was recorded. Additionally, the physical cutting test was carried out at the end of the process, as well as the sensory evaluation of the cocoa liquor, in order to establish the sensory profile of each material. Results showed that fermentation time for clones ICS 95, ICS 01 was five days t was obtaining a standard cocoa quality for ICS 01. The other three clones ICS 39, TSH 565 and CCN 51 required six days of fermentation but a premium cocoa was obtained. The establishment of fermentation parameters allows improving final cocoa quality, and thus, increasing its commercial value.