Cocoa is a powder made from the beans of the Theobroma Cacao tree. It grows in tropical regions, including Central and South America, Africa, and some Caribbean islands. The fruit of the tree is up to 30 cm in size and contains 20 to 40 beans.
The cocoa powder production process includes several stages: processing the beans, extracting the oil, and grinding the remaining mass to a powdery state.
Cocoa has a high content of nutrients, a pronounced taste and aroma.

Types

There are two main types of cocoa: light and dark.
Light is obtained by minimal processing of the beans. In this way, most of the beneficial properties are preserved, and it has a mild taste.
Dark undergoes additional alkalization – treatment with alkaline substances to reduce acidity and improve taste. This powder has a richer, bitter taste and a darker color, and does not require boiling.

Beneficial properties

Cocoa powder contains important microelements for health, including magnesium, which helps strengthen bones and improves heart function, iron, calcium and vitamins. Almost 10% are flavonoids. The caffeine and theobromine content provides stimulation of the nervous system. The product is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve overall health.
Children are advised to introduce the product from the age of 2. From four, the norm will be 2-3 servings per week. The daily intake for adults is 2-3 tablespoons of powder per day. This amount is enough to get the most out of the product.

How to choose quality cocoa

A real natural cocoa powder cannot contain any impurities or preservatives. It has a natural color and a pronounced aroma.
Pay attention to:

labeling and quality certificates
packaging, it is important that it is airtight
appearance
degree of grinding. When rubbed, it should remain on the skin.
fragrance
taste
price. It can’t be too low.

High-quality cocoa may not have a specific smell or taste. Lumps may also indicate poor quality or improper storage of the product.

Uses

This product is widely used in cooking, confectionery and cosmetology. It can be the basis or one of the ingredients of drinks, desserts, cosmetics.

In cooking

Cocoa powder is the basis for making cocoa, hot chocolate and other drinks. It is also actively used in baking, adding chocolate flavor to cakes, cookies and other desserts. It is also successfully used as a natural dye, for example, for pasta.
We offer you a simple recipe for hot chocolate

Cocoa powder – 5 tsp.
Sugar – 1 tbsp.
Milk 3% – 150 ml.

Add sugar and a small amount of milk to the cocoa powder. Grind until smooth. Bring the remaining milk to a boil and add the previously prepared mixture. If desired, you can add butter and spices (cinnamon, vanilla, marshmallow).

In confectionery production

In confectionery, cocoa is used to make glazes, cookie fillings, pralines, chocolate paste, and various chocolate products.

In cosmetology

Cocoa is an ingredient in masks and wraps that help moisturize the skin.
Making a mask at home is simple: mix 30 g of powder and 90 g of room temperature water, apply to face for 20 minutes.

Buy cocoa at Kyiv City Roastery

Kyiv City Roastery offers high-quality natural alkalized cocoa with a fat content of 20-22%, which indicates the presence of cocoa butter in the composition.
You can buy it online and offline at a price of 90-650 UAH, depending on the weight of the pack.