What is cocoa butter?
It is often the unsung hero of the chocolate industry, yet it is found in a large number of foods and products other than chocolate itself. This obscurity is also problematic because it is often difficult to trace cocoa butter produced by manufacturers, especially deodorized butter.
Block of cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is extracted from cocoa beans by mechanical processing with a hydraulic press after roasting. Once pressed, the beans produce two products: cocoa powder or "lean cocoa" (because it contains less than 10% fat) and solid ivory-colored cocoa butter.
Once separated from the powder, what remains is a fatty substance with a creamy texture and a powerful cocoa aroma. This solid body, below 24°, is mainly composed of lipids: saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. However, some applications require cocoa butter with a more neutral taste and smell without the cocoa scent. This is where deodorized cocoa butter comes in.
Hydraulic press in a factory in Côte d'Ivoire, industrial production scale.
Deodorized cocoa butter, the most sought-after form
Deodorized cocoa butter is obtained from crude cocoa butter through a deodorization process. This process removes the aromatic compounds that give cocoa butter its characteristic taste and smell. The result is cocoa butter with a more neutral aroma and taste, ideal for applications where chocolate should not dominate the final product.
The deodorization process of cocoa butter generally involves the use of steam to remove volatile compounds responsible for the smell and taste of cocoa butter. This process is carried out at controlled temperatures to avoid damaging the properties of cocoa butter. Once the aromatic compounds are removed, deodorized cocoa butter retains its physical properties, such as its texture and color.
Applications of deodorized cocoa butter
Deodorized cocoa butter is widely used in the food and cosmetic industries.
- Chocolate making: Deodorized cocoa butter is used in the manufacture of white chocolate and milk chocolate, where a less pronounced cocoa taste is desired, as in Galak!
Utopia Tropical white chocolate contains 35% non-deodorized cocoa butter, with fresh, vegetal menthol notes.
- Confectionery: It is used in the manufacture of candies, chocolate bars, and other confections where a subtle chocolate aroma is required.
- Baking: Deodorized cocoa butter is an essential ingredient in many baking recipes, such as ganaches, glazes, and creams, where it adds a smooth texture and a mild cocoa flavor.
- Cosmetics: Due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties, deodorized cocoa butter is also used in the manufacture of cosmetic products such as lip balms, body lotions, and soaps.
Comments