What does alkalized cocoa powder mean? How is it different from usual? You will find answers to these and other questions by reading our article.
Cocoa
Even in ancient times, cocoa beans were popular. What it is - remained a mystery. Then they believed that this was a gift from God. Chocolate beans grow on trees. They were first discovered in the tropical jungle. The fruits are harvested from trees, peeled and used for various purposes. One of them is the grinding of oilcake. After the powder is formed.
Nowadays, there are many types of cocoa and different ways of making it. This powder is the product of careful processing of chocolate tree seeds . In order to cook it, peeled and roasted seeds are first processed, then a lot of oil is squeezed out of it. And then they grind it again. Cocoa powder is used in confectioneries for the manufacture of chocolate sweets, a variety of creams. Also used as a sprinkle.
Alkalized
There are two types of powder. It is alkalized and natural. What is included in alkalized cocoa powder? Of course, a 100% herbal product. It contains many trace elements and vitamins.
Alkalized cocoa powder - what is it? What do they get from? From solid alkali-treated cocoa. This powder has a slightly alkaline reaction. After such processing, the taste and color improve, it acquires a persistent and rich aroma. There are several degrees of alkalization: weak, medium and strong. It looks like a powder from light brown to dark shade, with a pronounced chocolate aroma.
Alkalized cocoa powder - what is it? Application methods
Such a product is used to make high-quality chocolate products, ice cream and many other delicious sweets. Ways to use at home are diverse. You can add to the dough for baking, make fondant out of it. For the best distribution, it must be sown in flour through a special sieve. Alkalized powder is packed in special paper bags. They reach a weight of about 25 kilograms. Storage conditions only in well-ventilated areas, without odors. The humidity should not exceed 75 percent.
How is it different from ordinary powder? Of course, first of all, the way of cooking. Alkalization makes cocoa powder quite dark in color. Some are scared by the word alkalization. But you should not be afraid of this, because behind it lies the usual washing, peeling of beans.
Varieties
There are many varieties of cocoa powder. Alkalized PV-5 is a well-known premium powder. It is popular due to its taste and high quality. It is from selected cocoa fruits (roasted). Another popular type is cocoa powder alkalized Cacao Barry. It is natural. Its fat content usually reaches twenty-three percent. It has a bright dark brown color and pronounced aroma. It is also ideal for coating truffles or for spraying amber color. It reveals aroma and speeds up the cooking process, as it does not require preliminary boiling. They also decorate desserts, add ice cream to the cream. It is packed in boxes of one kilogram, and its shelf life reaches one year.
So, we found out that cocoa is alkalized and natural. This is brewed to produce a delicious drink. And alkalized cocoa powder like to be added to various pastries. It is also used to make a tasty drink with a dilution of boiling water or milk. The present, of course, is not replaceable. It contains more useful elements. Alkalized powder is more modern and is considered instant. It has a rich taste, persistent aroma. But due to processing, it loses most of the useful substances that are necessary for humans.
How to choose?
Many people wonder how and which cocoa is better to choose from a huge abundance of products in stores? First of all, you should pay attention and take into account the appearance of the product. It should be light to dark brown, and the shade will be brown. Its structure should be uniform, without lumps and not leave greasy on the hands after touching it. Fragrance is the main indicator when choosing. It resembles chocolate, no odors should be present. Taste with bitterness. It must be remembered that alkalized cocoa powder (which we have already found out) will have a dark brown color when dissolved. Since it is treated with alkali, it is an absolutely safe product, it is small and dissolves more easily. Natural and alkalized powder is incredibly beneficial for humans. You can drink such a drink daily. The rich taste and persistent aroma will not only quench your thirst, but also energize you for the whole day.
Technology
The process of preparing cocoa powder itself is long and complex. Its technology has not changed since the time of our ancient ancestors. Seeds are dried in the sun for a long time. Next, sorted, and substandard removed. An important process is grinding to powder.
So you should appreciate this product, because people put a lot of effort into its creation. The result of such hard work is excellent, it will surprise every lover of cocoa powder. The aroma of the product improves mood and energizes for a long time. True connoisseurs of taste and quality will always find the best cocoa.
Conclusion
Now you know how alkalized cocoa powder is produced, what kind of product it is. We also examined popular species. A hot drink will warm you in the cold; it is considered an excellent substitute for coffee.