Module 9-oil seed species (cocoa bean)

Question 1

how is cocoa butter (oil) made

Answer 1

Cocoa butter (oil) is pressed from fermented, roasted, dehulled cocoa beans

Question 2

what else is cocoa butter (oil) referred as

Answer 2

its also referred to as kernels or nibs

Question 3

what is a characteristic of cocoa oil and what state is it in at room temperature

Answer 3

The butter is a pale yellow soft solid at room temperature

Question 4

what is the fatty acid profile of cocoa oil

Answer 4

it has a unique fatty acid profile comprised largely of equal amounts of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0) and oleic (C18:1) fatty acids

Question 5

why is cocoa butter such a popular oil

Answer 5

Cocoa butter is considered to be a very high value fat and its distinctive flavor and melting point make it highly desired for the manufacture of chocolate products.

Question 6

what does fatty acid profiles effect

Answer 6

Fatty acid profiles affect chemical properties and stability in addition to the nutritional value of the oil

Question 7

what state do high levels of saturated fats lead to

Answer 7

High levels of saturated fats, as seen for coconut oil and palm oil, make the extracted oil a solid at room temperature

Question 8

what fats are desirable

Answer 8

Polyunsaturated fats, such as linoleic acid and the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid are nutritionally desirabl