Roasting-induced changes in cocoa beans with respect to the mood pyramid

The mood pyramid of cocoa, which was previously proposed as a new concept, consists of four levels (flavan-3-ols, methylxanthines, minor compounds and orosensory properties). Roasting is a crucial process for flavor development in cocoa but is likely to have a negative impact on the phytochemicals. We investigated the effect of roasting time (10-50 min) and temperature (110-160 degrees C) on the potential mood-enhancing compounds corresponding to the distinct mood pyramid levels. Phytochemicals were analyzed using UPLC-HRMS, while the flavor was mapped via aroma (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and generic descriptive analysis (trained panel). Results revealed that roasting at 130 degrees C for 30 min did not significantly affect the levels of epicatechin, procyanidin B2 and theobromine, while salsolinol significantly increased. Moreover, bitterness and astringency were reduced and the desired cocoa flavor was developed. Thus, through selection of appropriate roasting time and temperature conditions phytochemicals of interest could be retained without comprising the flavor

Roasting-induced changes in cocoa beans with respect to the mood pyramid

The mood pyramid of cocoa, which was previously proposed as a new concept, consists of four levels (flavan-3-ols, methylxanthines, minor compounds and orosensory properties). Roasting is a crucial process for flavor development in cocoa but is likely to have a negative impact on the phytochemicals. We investigated the effect of roasting time (10-50 min) and temperature (110-160 degrees C) on the potential mood-enhancing compounds corresponding to the distinct mood pyramid levels. Phytochemicals were analyzed using UPLC-HRMS, while the flavor was mapped via aroma (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and generic descriptive analysis (trained panel). Results revealed that roasting at 130 degrees C for 30 min did not significantly affect the levels of epicatechin, procyanidin B2 and theobromine, while salsolinol significantly increased. Moreover, bitterness and astringency were reduced and the desired cocoa flavor was developed. Thus, through selection of appropriate roasting time and temperature conditions phytochemicals of interest could be retained without comprising the flavor

The effect of cocoa alkalization on the non-volatile and volatile mood-enhancing compounds

Alkalization is a process to improve color, dispersibility and flavor of cocoa powder but is likely to have a negative effect on the phytochemicals. Hereto, the impact of alkalization degree (none, medium and high) on the potential mood-enhancing compounds corresponding to the four levels of the mood pyramid model (flavanols, methylxanthines, biogenic amines and orosensory properties) was investigated. The phytochemical content, analyzed via UPLC-HRMS, showed reduction of specific potential mood-enhancing compounds upon alkalization, implying a decrease in bitterness and astringency. Moreover, volatile compounds analysis via HS-SPME-GC-MS indicated that alkalization reduced the levels of volatile compounds, responsible for acidity, fruity, floral and cocoa aromas. With respect to the orosensory properties, the cocoa powder palatability was suggested to be increased due to reduced acidity, bitterness, and astringency, while the desired volatile compounds were reduced. However, sensorial analysis is required to link the volatile results with the overall effect on the flavor perception

Impact of alkalization conditions on the phytochemical content of cocoa powder and the aroma of cocoa drinks

Alkalization is an important process in cocoa powder production that affects color and flavor. In this study, the impact of alkalization temperature (60, 70, 80, 90, 100 degrees C), NaOH concentration (0.59, 1.17, 2.34, 3.59% w/w of cocoa powder) and alkalization time (1 and 10 min) on the physicochemical properties (pH, color) and phytochemical profile (theobromine, caffeine, epicatechin, catechin) of cocoa powder were investigated, while the aroma was studied on the corresponding cocoa drinks. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an ultra-violet detector (HPLC-UV) was used for screening the non-volatiles and headspace solid - phase microextraction - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) for the aromatic compounds. Major changes of the cocoa properties occurred during the first minute of alkalization. Increase of temperature and alkali concentration generally reduced the levels of epicatechin and the lightness (L*), while the pH of the cocoa powder was affected by changing the alkali concentration. On the other hand, the reddish (a*) and yellowish (b*) color component values and theobromine levels were not significantly affected by varying temperature and alkali concentration. A higher temperature did not affect the concentration of the volatile compounds, while a decrease in certain chemical classes was observed by increasing the alkali concentration

Impact of alkalization conditions on the phytochemical content of cocoa powder and the aroma of cocoa drinks

Alkalization is an important process in cocoa powder production that affects color and flavor. In this study, the impact of alkalization temperature (60, 70, 80, 90, 100 degrees C), NaOH concentration (0.59, 1.17, 2.34, 3.59% w/w of cocoa powder) and alkalization time (1 and 10 min) on the physicochemical properties (pH, color) and phytochemical profile (theobromine, caffeine, epicatechin, catechin) of cocoa powder were investigated, while the aroma was studied on the corresponding cocoa drinks. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an ultra-violet detector (HPLC-UV) was used for screening the non-volatiles and headspace solid - phase microextraction - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) for the aromatic compounds. Major changes of the cocoa properties occurred during the first minute of alkalization. Increase of temperature and alkali concentration generally reduced the levels of epicatechin and the lightness (L*), while the pH of the cocoa powder was affected by changing the alkali concentration. On the other hand, the reddish (a*) and yellowish (b*) color component values and theobromine levels were not significantly affected by varying temperature and alkali concentration. A higher temperature did not affect the concentration of the volatile compounds, while a decrease in certain chemical classes was observed by increasing the alkali concentration