How is bitter cocoa made?
The cocoa beans are roasted, then crushed to extract the cocoa mass. Pressed, the latter makes it possible to obtain cocoa butter and a solid mass, which is reduced to powder. Without the addition of sugar, it is bitter and its flavor is reminiscent of very dark chocolate.
What are its characteristics?
Bitter cocoa is rich in protein (18%) and fiber (29%, i.e. as much as his).
“It also contains flavonoids, which have a favorable effect on blood sugar levels and on blood pressure, specifies Béatrice Bénavent-Marco, vitamin E and beta-carotene. It also contains good levels of magnesium (376mg per 100g), phosphorus (693mg) and potassium (1510mg). But taking into account the quantity consumed (approximately 5g per cup), these contributions remain modest. “
What is the difference with chocolate powders?
Chocolate powders contain on average only 20% cocoa, sugar and aromas (vanillin, cinnamon…). Depending on the recipes, they may also contain milk powder, dehydrated glucose syrup, salt, stabilizers, thickeners, hydrogenated vegetable oils … Compared to bitter cocoa, they are very sweet: around 70% carbohydrates, including 65% of sugars, against 15% of carbohydrates and 0.4% of sugars for cocoa.
How to prepare it well?
Unlike chocolate powders which dissolve as well in hot milk as in cold milk, it needs to be diluted with a little simmering liquid (milk, water) to dissolve and reveal the fullness of its aromas. For a smooth hot chocolate, cook it for a few minutes in a saucepan over low heat, while mixing (1 heaped teaspoon of bitter cocoa +2 or 3 teaspoons of brown sugar +1 pinch of cinnamon + 20cl of milk, semi-skimmed or whole). To flavor a cake, mix the cocoa with the sugar to disperse it in the preparation.
Read also:
5 healthy chocolate recipes
Nutrition: choose the right … your hazelnut spread
Bitter cocoa: the Top Health choice
The master of aromas
Our favorite! With a rich and intense fragrance, for delicious hot chocolates and for baking.
The Original 100% pure cocoa, Van Houten, € 3.60 for 250g. Malls.
Special truffles & cake decorations
A strong flavor powder, ideal for coating truffles or sprinkling cakes.
Pure cocoa, € 7.90 for 200g, Monbana. www.monbana.com
Tea room version
Fine 100% cocoa chocolate shavings, to melt for perfectly smooth hot chocolates.
Chocolate shavings, 100% Tonic, Bonnat, € 16.90 for 400g. www.bonnat-chocolatier.com
Our expert: Béatrice Bénavent-Marco, dietician-nutritionist.
