Influence of Chemical Composition on the Isothermal Cocoa Butter Crystallization

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The influence of chemical composition on the isothermal cocoa butter crystallization was investigated quantitatively. Apart from the fatty acid and triacylglycerol profile, the amounts of some minor components (diacylglycerols, free fatty acids, phospholipids, soap, unsaponifiable matter, iron, and primary oxidation products) were determined. With the forward model selection technique, a multiple linear regression model was established, showing the influence of chemical characteristics on the different crystallization parameters of the new model to describe the fat crystallization kinetics as developed by Foubert and others (2002). The ratios of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated to diunsaturated triacylglycerols have the most important effect on the amount of crystallization, the induction time of the 2nd step of the crystallization process, and the order of the reverse reaction. The more unsaturated fatty acids and the more diunsaturated triacylglycerols, the lower the amount of crystallization; the higher the induction time for the 2nd step of crystallization, the lower the order of the reverse reaction. The amount of diacylglycerols has the most important (negative) influence on the rate constant. Other minor components with a rather pronounced influence on different crystallization parameters are the free fatty acids, phospholipids, and traces of soap.