OPTIMISATION METHOD FOR COCOA FAT EXTRACTION USING OIL EXPRESSER
Authors: Rosmawati, M.S., Aqilah, K., Ilie Nasyuha, B., Siti Azriena A., Ishak Z., Zainal B.
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 15(1)/2023
Keywords: Polyphenol, Cocoa Bean, Oil Expresser X8S, Total Phenolic Content, Cocoa Butter
Published On: 27/10/2023
Abstract
Cocoa beans are the main ingredients in chocolate and cocoa product, and are rich in polyphenols. The content of polyphenols can vary depending on the source of beans (growing conditions and cocoa variety), and processing conditions during fermentation and drying methods. This study investigated the total polyphenol content (TPC) of unfermented Malaysian cocoa beans and determined the suitable parameter for mechanical fat extraction using the oil expresser Model X8S compared to the previous method (fat expeller Model Komet). Initially, the polyphenol content of unfermented Cocoa Research and Development Centre (CRDC), Jengka cocoa beans was determined from cocoa nibs which undergone fat extraction at 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100°C. Results show that there was increasing TPC in cocoa nibs from CRDC, Jengka by increasing temperature used which are 68.20, 75.10, 85.80, 103.77 and 110.38 mg GAE/g respectively. Thus, a temperature of 100°C was chosen to extract cocoa butter from selected cocoa beans such as CRDC Bagan Datuk (Perak), CRDC Jengka (Pahang), Ong Chong Lim Plantation and Mr Tan Sow Phin (farmers). Cocoa beans from Ong Chong Lim Plantation contained the highest TPC but no significant difference (p>0.05) followed by CRDC Jengka, CRDC Bagan Datuk and Mr Tan Sow Phin which are 77.39, 73.53, 65.81 and 64.01 mg GAE/g respectively. However, this results might be different in the future depending on the primary and secondary processing carried out, weather and soil changes. In conclusion, the mechanical method is the safest way to remove cocoa butter in unfermented cocoa beans furthermore to gain high cocoa polyphenol extract which has some potential phytochemicals to be used in healthy food, beverages, cosmetics and skincare industries.