How is chocolate made?
Chocolate is made from the beans of the cacao tree, which are harvested, fermented, roasted, and then processed into various forms to create the chocolate that we know and love.
The first step in the process is harvesting. The cacao pods are harvested from the cacao tree. The pods contain seeds, which are also known as cacao beans. The pods are typically harvested twice a year.
Then comes the fermentation. The cacao beans are removed from the pods and placed in baskets or containers. They are left to ferment for several days, which helps to develop their flavour.
After the fermentation, the beans are then dried. The fermented beans are spread out to dry in the sun. This can take several days, and the beans are turned regularly to ensure even drying.
Once the beans are dry they are then ready for roasting. The cocoa beans are roasted in a process similar to coffee roasting. Roasting helps to bring out the flavour of the beans and also removes any remaining moisture.
After the roasting process has taken place the beans are ground down. The roasted beans are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor. This paste contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
The chocolate liquor is then pressed to separate the cocoa solids from the cocoa butter. The solids are used to make cocoa powder, while the cocoa butter is used in chocolate making.
Cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and sugar are mixed together to make chocolate. Other ingredients, such as milk powder, vanilla, and lecithin, may also be added at this stage.
The chocolate mixture is then heated and stirred in a process known as conching. This helps to smooth out the texture of the chocolate and develop its flavour.
Finally, the chocolate is tempered, which involves heating and cooling it to a specific temperature to create a glossy finish and ensure that it has a smooth texture.
Once the chocolate has been made, it can be moulded into various shapes, such as bars or truffles, and flavoured with a variety of ingredients, such as nuts, fruits, and spices.