Cocoa powder

Definition

See: Chocolate Liquor. Cocoa powder, an extract from the Theobroma cacao tree, is a dark, rich powder used in making chocolate-flavoured foods, beverages and confections. It is created by splitting the pods of the Theobroma cacao tree and exposing the beans to allow them to ferment. Once fermented the beans are roasted and hulled, leaving the cacao nibs which are used to make chocolate liquor. This chocolate liquor is then pressed, removing the cocoa butter and leaving the solid cocoa (soon to be) powder.

Health considerations

Cocoa is rich in flavanols, and via this chemical it has shown to decrease insulin resistance, enhance insulin sensitivity, decrease blood pressure, decrease risk of cardiovascular disease and alleviate other cardiovascular disease-associated ailments. Cocoa is a source of fiber and iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Fat content varies.

Keep in mind

Many of the foods containing high levels of cocoa are often heavy laden with sugar, making excessive cocoa consumption a concern.

May be found in

Chocolate, chocolate-flavoured foods and beverages, mexican cuisine

References

The Journal of Clinical Hypertension
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Cacaoweb
Self Nutrition Data

Alternative Spellings and Names

Theobroma cacao