Production Of Cocoa Beans Research Articles

Mudanças nas práticas de agricultores de cacau orgânico certificado no Sudoeste paraense, Amazônia Oriental

A produção de cacau orgânico certificado requer alterações significativas nas práticas produtivas e comerciais dos agricultores familiares. Este trabalho visa estudar as mudanças nas práticas de famílias de produção do cacau orgânico certificado nos municípios paraenses de Pacajá, Brasil Novo e Medicilândia. Foram entrevistadas quarenta e sete agricultores de três cooperativas de produtos orgânicos. Identificou-se o que tem influenciado nas mudanças das práticas produtivas de agricultores familiares em relação à produção de amêndoa de cacau na região, destacando-se quatro lógicas que impulsionaram tais mudanças: a) ênfase na qualidade do produto, b) qualidade atrelada à garantia de retorno financeiro, c) irregularidade nas práticas para produção de amêndoa de boa qualidade, e d) pouco influenciada pelos estímulos do mercado. As diferenças entre as lógicas estão associadas ao tipo de produção da amêndoa, com qualidade (Acoaq) e convencional (ACC) e a forma como cada agricultor adotou as mudanças em seus sistemas. As mudanças dos sistemas decorrentes das práticas adotadas e da comercialização seguem mais a perspectiva da agricultura orgânica, e foi verificado que alguns sistemas são poucos influenciados pelas lógicas externas após a entrada nas cooperativas. As principais razões são a falta de mão de obra e de capital de giro nas cooperativas para o pagamento imediato.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE VALUE OF EXPORT OF INDONESIAN COCOA BEANS IN 1996-2015

The purpose of this research is to analyze the export value of Indonesian cocoa beans, using Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The dependent variable used in this research is the export value of Indonesian cocoa beans, while the independent variables are international price of cocoa beans, exchange rate rupiah to US$, domestic production of Indonesian cocoa beans and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) using time series data from 1996-2015 (20 years). The result shows that the international price variable of cocoa beans has a positive and significant effect on the export value of Indonesian cocoa beans. The rupiah exchange rate against US $ has a negative and significant effect on the export value of Indonesian cocoa beans. Domestic production of Indonesian cocoa beans has a positive and significant effect on the export value of Indonesian cocoa beans. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the world has a positive and significant effect on the export value of Indonesian cocoa beans in 1996-2015.

Effect of the temperature on the kinetics of cocoa bean shell fat extraction using pressurized ethanol and evaluation of the lipid fraction and defatted meal

Cocoa byproducts are important inputs to the food industry. In recent decades, the consumption of these products has been reported to increase while the production of cocoa beans has reportedly decreased. In this scenario, the use of the cocoa bean shell (CS) as an alternative source of cocoa fat is a good strategy to increase the fat supply for use in food products. The main aim of this study was to characterize CS; extract fat from CS using pressurized ethanol as the solvent; perform kinetics extraction trials at temperatures of 60, 75 and 90 °C; and evaluate the lipid fraction and defatted meal characteristics. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) was found to be a very efficient way to obtain fat from cocoa shells, achieving high extraction yield values (up to 90%) after a single stage of contact. An increase in temperature positively influenced the composition of fat in terms of the tocopherol content, but negatively influenced the protein solubility in the defatted meal obtained at 90 °C. The experimental kinetic data of CS fat extraction were successfully mathematically described (absolute relative deviation up to 0.85%), allowing calculation of a diffusion coefficient with values between 4.56 and 12.15 × 10−12 m2 s−1, which increased with increasing extraction temperature.

KAJIAN PRODUKSI DAN PENDAPATAN USAHATANI KAKAO PADA PROGRAM GERNAS (GERAKAN NASIONAL) KAKAO DI SULAWESI TENGGARA

The study was conducted from January to December 2015 in Andomesinggo Village, Besulutu District, Konawe Regency and Lambandia Village, Lambandia District, East Kolaka Regency. The study aims to examine the production and income of cocoa farming after the GERNAS Kakao program has been implemented. Determination of respondents was carried out in census. Data collected were analyzed descriptive quantitatively. The results of the study show that GERNAS Kakao program has been able to significantly increase cocoa farming production. The average production of cocoa farming in Southeast Sulawesi in 2015 was 871.80 kg per ha while the average production of cocoa beans produced by farming in the GERNAS Kakao program was 1,000.78 kg per ha. The average cocoa farming income in the GERNAS Kakao program is Rp 35,920,865, - per ha.Keywords: production; income; GERNAS Kakao program

Cocoa beans improve mitochondrial biogenesis via PPARγ/PGC1α dependent signalling pathway in MPP+ intoxicated human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y)

Polyphenols are shown to protect from or delay the progression of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study was aims to gain insight into the role of ahydroalcoholic extract of cocoa (standardised for epicatechin content) on mitochondrial biogenesis in MPP+ intoxicated human neuroblastoma cells (SHSY5Y). The effects of cocoa on PPARγ, PGC1α, Nrf2 and TFAM protein expression and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated. A pre-exposure to cocoa extract decreased reactive oxygen species formation and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. The cocoa extract was found to up-regulate the expression of PPARγ and the downstream signalling proteins PGC1α, Nrf2 and TFAM. It increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCl2 and increased superoxide dismutase activity. Further, the cocoa extract down-regulated the expression of mitochondria fission 1 (Fis1) and up-regulated the expression of mitochondria fusion 2 (Mfn2) proteins, suggesting an improvement in mitochondrial functions in MPP+ intoxicated cells upon treatment with cocoa. Interestingly, cocoa up-regulates the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis. No change in the expression of PPARγ on treatment with cocoa extract was observed when the cells were pre-treated with PPARγ antagonist GW9662. This data suggests that cocoa mediates mitochondrial biogenesis via a PPARγ/PGC1α dependent signalling pathway and also has the ability to improve dopaminergic functions by increasing tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Based on our data, we propose that a cocoa bean extract and products thereof could be used as potential nutritional supplements for neuroprotection in PD.

Competitiveness, production, and productivity of cocoa in Indonesia

Cocoa is one of Indonesia’s five foreign exchange earner, thus cocoa must stay competitive for the export market. Aims of this study are: analyze the cost structure, production and productivity of cocoa farming, the level of competitiveness, and map the types of government policies that affect the competitiveness of cocoa plants. The method used is descriptive qualitative and quantitative. Data analysis is done by using PAM (Policy Analysis Matrix). The results showed, structures are at the cost of production of cocoa farming in Indonesia almost 50 percent for wages, and 31.6 percent for land rental. The big percentage of workers wages indicates that cocoa farming is labor intensive production. In Indonesia total productive cocoa farms only 27.6%, with a productivity level of 655,515 kg per hectare. Cocoa farming in Indonesia is carried out with protective policies, the value of EPC 4.29, indicating the government’s policy towards the inputs and outputs of cocoa has been effective. While the PCR value of 0.51, indicating cocoa farming has a competitive advantage, but it does not have a comparative advantage. In conclusion, productivity, out-put prices, and exchange rates should be raised, and input prices should be lowered, so that cocoa farming can provide higher net transfer values for farmers. To improve the competitiveness of cocoa farming, the islands of Sulawesi and Sumatra are two islands that require special policies, especially on out-put price policy, input prices, and productivity, as well as improvement of other cocoa commodity farming systems, as these two islands contributed more the 80 percent of Indonesia cocoa bean production.

Pengaruh Pupuk Kompos Kulit Buah Kakao Dan Pupuk Tablet Terhadap Produksi Kakao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Cocoa is one of the estate crop whose role is quite important for the national economy, particularly as a provider of employment, income and foreign exchange. The high export opportunities of cocoa beans has not been followed by the production of cocoa beans in Indonesian. The production of dried cacao beans in Indonesia is still low. The low productivity of seeds generally caused by Cherelle wilt of cacao. Wilting occurs due to inability of the cherelle to compete with the other cherelle in absorbing nutrients. Fertilization is an effort to maintain and fulfill the nutrients in the plants. This research is aimed to assess the effect of fertilization using cocoa pod husk and NPK tablets fertilization on cocoa crop yields. This experiment was conducted at PT. PP. Bajabang Indonesia, Cipeundeuy, West Bandung regency from December 2016 to March 2017. The experiment was conducted using a Simple Randomized Block Design that consists 10 treatments: control, single N, P, K fertilizer 297 g/tree, cocoa pod husk 9 kg/tree, cocoa pod husk 9 kg/tree + single N, P, K fertilizer 297 g/tree, cocoa pod husk 18 kg/tree + single N, P, K fertilizer 297 g/tree, cocoa pod husk 9 kg/tree + NPK tablet fertilizer 20 tablets/tree, NPK tablet fertilizer 20 tablets/tree, cocoa pod husk 9 kg/tree + NPK tablet fertilizer 10 tablets/tree, cocoa pod husk 18 kg/tree + NPK tablet fertilizer 20 tablets/ tree, cocoa pod husk 18 kg/ tree + NPK tablet fertilizer 10 tablets/tree. The result of experiment showed that there was an influence of cocoa pod husk and NPK tablet fertilizer on cocoa fruit weight at 12 MSP, that is cocoa pod husk 9 kg/tree + NPK tablet fertilizer 20 tablets/tree. Number of cherelle wilted at 12 MSP with cocoa pod husk 9 kg/tree + NPK tablet fertilizer 20 tablets/tree.

Improvement of Small Scale Cocoa Fermentation Using Lactobacillus fermentumas Starter Culture

Low harvest amount of cocoa smallholder has became a great constraint for farmer in order to carry out a proper postharvest practice. Low production of raw cocoa beans cause farmers are not able to ferment their cocoa beans that lead to low quality of cocoa beans produced. Addition of starter culture to improve the fermentation performance has been previously reported by some researchers. In this study, Lactobacillus fermentum(LF) inoculum was used as stater culture for small scale cocoa fermentation (15 kg). The LF culture (107 CFU/gr) was added in several concentration (1, 2.5, and 5% w/w) prior cocoa fermentation. The fermen-tation was carried out in 4 days (96 h) with once turning in 48 h. The result showed that the addition of LF in small batch of cocoa fermentation could improve the performance of fermentation and resulted in higher amount of fermented cocoa beans (70,34%, 5% LF) compared to natural fermentation and fair average quality (FAQ) beans (45% and 41%, respectively). This research result is significantly important solving the issues of fermentation concerning with minimum quantity of cocoa needed. With this approach, small batch of cocoa fermentation even could result in comparable quality to full-batch fermentation.

Effects of drying on the production of polyphenol-rich cocoa beans

ABSTRACTThe current study emphasizes on the effects of four drying methods, namely, oven drying, adsorption drying, freeze-drying, and vacuum drying on the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of unfermented cocoa beans. The comparison of drying kinetics analysis showed that adsorption drying method dried faster than other methods. On comparing the results of total polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity, freeze-drying method showed the optimal results and the lowest values were recorded by oven drying. The sensory analysis of cocoa beans after drying showed low cocoa flavor and high astringency scores.

Photosynthetic, antioxidative, molecular and ultrastructural responses of young cacao plants to Cd toxicity in the soil

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic metal for plants, even at low concentrations in the soil. The annual production of world cocoa beans is approximately 4 million tons. Most of these fermented and dried beans are used in the manufacture of chocolate. Recent work has shown that the concentration of Cd in these beans has exceeded the critical level (0.6mgkg−1 DM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of Cd in young plants of CCN 51 cacao genotype grown in soil with different concentrations of Cd (0, 0.05 and 0.1gkg−1 soil) through photosynthetic, antioxidative, molecular and ultrastructural changes. The increase of Cd concentration in the soil altered mineral nutrient absorption by competition or synergism, changed photosynthetic activity caused by reduction in chloroplastidic pigment content and damage to the photosynthetic machinery evidenced by the Fv/Fm ratio and expression of the psbA gene and increased GPX activity in the root and SOD in leaves. Additionally, ultrastructural alterations in roots and leaves were also evidenced with the increase of the concentration of Cd in the soil, whose toxicity caused rupture of biomembranes in root and leaf cells, reduction of the number of starch grains in foliar cells, increase of plastoglobules in chloroplasts and presence of multivesiculated bodies in root cells. It was concluded, therefore, that soil Cd toxicity caused damage to the photosynthetic machinery, antioxidative metabolism, gene expression and irreversible damage to root cells ultrastructure of CCN 51 cocoa plants, whose damage intensity depended on the exposure time to the metal.

Food Evolution: The Impact of Society and Science on the Fermentation of Cocoa Beans.

Cocoa is part of the cultural heritage in many areas of South and Central America and has played an important role in the history of human culture there. The modern methods of cocoa bean production for the purpose of the manufacture of modern chocolate are tied to the origin and development of cocoa bean fermentation and processing methods and the science of microbiology. To date, however, there has not been a study that discusses the impacts of both science and culture on the evolution of cocoa beans and cocoa bean processing. This work provides both a detailed overview of the evolution and historical development of cocoa, from its earliest forms to modern chocolate manufacturing, an in-depth discussion of the biochemistry of cocoa bean fermentation, as well as a compilation of primary research studies with details on fermentation methods, the scientific bases of interactions in microbial fermentations, and methods for their investigation, as well as metabolites that are produced. As a result, we present here the major microorganisms among all the ones that have been identified in previous studies. This database will aid researchers seeking standardized inoculants to drive cocoa bean fermentation, as well as serve as a guide for inventorying and assessing other food evolution-related studies regarding traditional and artisanal-based food systems.

Technical Efficiency Analysis of Smallholder Cacao Plantations in Lampung Province

<em>Low productivity is the main problem in smallholder cacao plantation. One effort to overcome the problem is through rehabilitation. The research aimed to (1) analyze the factors affecting cocoa bean production, (2) analyze technical efficiency level, and (3) analyze the factors affecting technical efficiency of smallholder cacao plantation in Lampung Province. The research was conducted in Tanggamus and Pringsewu Regency, Lampung, from September to November 2015. A purposive sampling was used which obtained 32 samples of farmers as respondents from rehabilitated plantation with side-grafting technique and non-rehabilitated plantation, respectively. Data were analyzed using stochastic frontier analysis. The results indicated 4 factors affecting smallholders cacao production in Lampung Province, namely land, chemical fertilizer, family-labour, and rent-labour. Smallholder cacao plantation in Lampung Province was technically efficient (0.82) which affected by farmers’ age, farmers’ dependents, farmers group membership, and side-grafting application. Rehabilitated smallholder cacao plantation also showed higher level (ET=0.92) than non-rehabilitated one (ET=0.73). The research implicates on increasing smallholder cacao productivity in Lampung Province, especially the local government, to put more priorities in those factors significantly affecting smallholder cacao production, as well as to give support and facilitate plant rehabilitation program using side-grafting methods.</em>

Comparative Study of Solar Drying of Cocoa Beans: Two Methods Used in Colombian Rural Areas

In Colombia, the production of cocoa beans is an important export business classified as “fine cocoa” type by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). Drying for agricultural products is one of the most cost-effective applications of solar energy and the drying methods for cocoa beans are traditional and vary with geographical locality. Cocoa beans are dried after fermentation in order to reduce the moisture content, being the open-air solar drying (direct solar dryer) and the greenhouse drying (plastic roof solar dryer) two methods used in colombian rural areas. However, in the Caribbean region of Colombia is widely used, by rural farmers, the open-air solar drying. This method is economic but susceptible to contamination with foreign materials, insects and rodents, affecting the quality of the beans. This work presents the construction of a plastic roof solar dryer for drying cocoa beans in a farm that use direct solar dryer. The moisture content of the cocoa beans were determined using a MB 45 Halogen Ohaus moisture analyzer. The moisture content was reduced from 58 % to 7 % in 6 d for the open-air solar drying (drying constant, k = 0.76 d-1), while the greenhouse drying took only 4 d (drying constant, k = 1.68 d-1) and produced better quality cocoa beans, protected from direct solar radiation, environmental pollution and animal contact. Technical and economical results indicate that greenhouse drying is feasible for rural farmers in the Caribbean region of Colombia.

Determination of Selection Index of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Yield Traits Using Regression Methods

The increasing chocolate consumption has not been followed by growing production of dry cocoa beans. In order to support the increase in cocoa production, planting materials with high yield are needed. The objective of this research was to determine the components of cocoa traits affecting weight of dry cocoa beans, and set a selection index for superior cocoa trees. The experiment material were four cocoa hybrid populations of which their family ancestry were unknown, and were planted on Samigaluh Plantation, Yogyakarta, and Segayung Plantation, Central Java. Observations and data collection were conducted on four plant populations. The observations were undertaken for three years, by observing plant traits, including pod length, pod diameter, husk thickness, cavity diameter, pod fresh weight, cocoa bean/pod fresh weight, husk fresh weight, dry weight of cocoa beans/pod, number of cocoa beans/pod, dry weight per cocoa bean. The collected data were analyzed using path and regression analysis methods. The results showed that pod diameter (X4), fresh pod weight (X5), number of cocoa beans/pod (X8), and dry weight/cocoa bean (X9) were used to form a selection index resulting the equation I = 0.0792 X4 + 0.1330 X5 + 0.0106 X8 + 0.1349 X9 furthermore will be used in the selection of cocoa trees. Ten cocoa plants from seeds having the highest general selection index were D 034, D 003, D 015, A 054, D 004, D 033, D 041, A 157, D 036, and D 025 will be selected for further evaluation.

Pengaruh Penanganan Pascapanen Terhadap Mutu dan Keamanan Pangan Biji Kakao

Production of cocoa beans increasing significantly, but the quality of the seeds low and varied.The main problem is because of the cocoa farmers generally did not apply the recommended techniquefor cultivation and postharvest handling. The aims of this study was to observe the effect of GAP and GMPapplication to the quality and safety of cocoa beans produced by farmer groups. To achieve the aboveobjectives, a study has been conducted in Tinco, District Citta, Soppeng South Sulawesi Province. Thisactivity was done by involving farmer groups with different cultivation technology. The activity included: 1.Study to identify the performance of cocoa cultivation; 2. analysis of the effect of GAP and GMP application toquality and safety of cocoa beans produced by farmer groups. The results showed that the quality of cocoabeans produced by Bunga coklat farmer group better than Mattirodeceng farmer group; the application ofGAP and GMP increased the quality of cacao beans. Model application of GAP and GMP system at Bungacoklat farmer group can be used as a sample of cocoa farm production, quality and sustainability oriented.Keywords : postharvest handling, quality, food safety, cocoa

Pathological research on acute hepatic and renal tissue damage in Wistar rats induced by cocoa

ObjectiveTo ascertain the functional integrity of renal and hepatic tissues of Wistar rats fed with processed cocoa bean-based beverages and raw cocoa bean products-containing diets by using biochemical and histological methods. MethodsThirty Wistar rats were designated on the basis of experimental diets which were given for 28 days. At the end of the feeding period, blood samples were drawn, and renal and hepatic tissues were excised from the experimental rat groups for functional tests and histological examinations, respectively. ResultsSerum alanine aminotransferase activities of the experimental rat groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) and were within a relatively narrow range of (32.17 ± 4.98) IU/L to (41.00 ± 10.85) IU/L, whereas serum aspartate aminotransferase activities gave wide variation within the range of (15.67 ± 2.13) IU/L to (34.83 ± 8.31) IU/L with P < 0.05. Serum bilirubin concentrations of experimental rat groups were less than 1 mg/dL. Serum total protein and albumin concentrations varied within a relatively narrow range. Serum creatinine concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than serum urea concentration. Histology showed evidence of moderate disarrangement of hepatic tissue architecture and degenerated tubules as well as glomerular turfs. ConclusionsThe pattern of alanine aminotransferase activity being more active than aspartate aminotransferase one in serum appeared to correlate with the extent of disarrangement of hepatic tissue architecture. The experimental rat groups exhibited no hyperbilirubinemia. Also, diets containing processed cocoa bean and raw cocoa bean products did not substantially interfere with the capacity of the hepatocytes to biosynthesize plasma proteins and the functionality of renal tissues.

Production of Hypoallergenic Cocoa Beans by a Pregermination Treatment Method

Pregermination treatment of cocoa beans either with the testa, group PCB (+T), or without the testa, group PCB (-T), was studied here to determine whether this treatment (incubation up to 120 h at 25°C) has any effect on the levels of allergenic proteins or on chemical composition. Our proximate analysis included carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. We used western blotting to measure changes in the amounts of allergenic proteins in the cocoa beans during the pregermination treatment. The protein and carbohydrate content of both groups (with or without the testa) decreased slightly during this treatment, whereas lipid content increased. Group PCB (-T) showed more rapid metabolic processes than did group PCB (+T) during the pregermination treatment. Western blot analysis showed that the cocoa beans contained an allergenic protein of ~28 kDa. Removal of the testa strongly reduced the amount of this allergenic protein after 72 h of the pregermination treatment. Generally, the pregermination treatment increased antioxidant activity in both groups. Significant differences in the antioxidant activity were observed between groups PCB (-T) and PCB (+T). Particularly, group PCB (-T) showed high antioxidant activity at 72 h of the pregermination treatment. Thus, the combination of cocoa beans without the testa and pregermination treatment (72 h) seems to be the optimal method for production of hypoallergenic cocoa beans rich in antioxidants for patients with allergic disorders.

Fungi Level Analysis of Cocoa Beans Based on Fermentation Box Type and Duration

In certain location, it is undeniable that there are qualities variations of fermented cocoa beans depend on processing techniques. In addition, its cocoa bean's production central at Yogyakarta have their specific characteristic own regarding the use of fermentation box (box type). The purpose of this research was to analyze the effects of three types of fermentation box and duration to fungi level of fermented cocoa beans. CRD (completely randomized design) with two factors and three replications is applied as assessment method. The first factor is the type of fermentation box (basket, storey box and single box with a hand crank) and the second factor is the length of fermentation time (3 and 5 days). The result of the research explained that the lowest levels of the fungi achieve within 5 days of fermentation processes. Meanwhile, a single box with a hand crank provide the lowest of fungi's level. Furthermore, the combination of those two results may give the most favorably expected condition of fungi level.

Functional Assessments and Histopathology of Hepatic and Renal Tissues of Wistar Rats Fed with Cocoa Containing Diets

The liver and kidney are organs of homeostasis. The present study ascertained functional integrity of renal and hepatic tissues of Wistar rats fed with processed cocoa bean-based beverages (PCB-BB) and raw cocoa bean products (RCBP) containing diets using biochemical and histological methods. Thirty Wistar rats were designated on the basis of experimental diets received for 28 days. At the end of the feeding period, blood samples were drawn and renal and hepatic tissues were excised from the experimental rat groups for functional tests and histological examinations, respectively. Serum ALT activities of the experimental rat groups showed no significant difference (p>0.05) and were within relatively narrow range of 32.17 ± 4.98 IU/L to 41.00 ± 10.85 IU/L whereas, serum AST activities gave wide variation within the range of 15.67 ± 2.13 IU/L to 34.83 ± 8.31 IU/L; p AST in serum appeared to correlate with the extent of disarrangement of hepatic tissue architecture. The experimental rat groups did not exhibit hyperbilirubinemia. Also, PCB-BB - and RCBP - containing diets did not substantially interfere with the capacity of the hepatocytes to biosynthesized plasma proteins and the functionality of renal tissues.

The Analysis of Production and Trade Patterns in Cocoa Market Worldwide and in Poland

Cocoa belongs to the group of one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Most production of cocoa beans takes place in the African countries in the Equatorial “Cocoa Belt”. However, most processing of raw products is made in Western European countries. Poland is a substantial producer of confectionery chocolate products, therefore the country imports cocoa butter and cocoa paste, which gives it 8th and 6th place in the world in terms of quantity imported. This paper presents an analysis of the world’s major cocoa trading countries in four basic physical forms: cocoa beans, cocoa butter, cocoa paste and cocoa powder.