The conventional chocolate industry often focuses on cocoa content (%) as an indicator of quality and benefit to our health. However, there are crucial factors that are often overlooked that significantly affect the nutritional value of chocolate.
One of the most obvious problems is the high amount of sugar in many chocolates that are marketed, which can reach between 50 and 60 grams of sugar per 100 grams of product. This excess sugar not only diminishes the health benefits that cocoa could offer, but also contributes to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
In addition to sugar, cocoa processing also plays a fundamental role in the loss of nutrients. Fermentation, drying and especially roasting at high temperatures can significantly deteriorate polyphenols, that is, the beneficial antioxidant compounds in cocoa. According to studies such as that of Condori (2015) , these processes can lead to a loss of up to 52.66% and 59.66% of the polyphenols in broad beans.
At Organic Africa Chocolate, we take the preservation of the natural nutrients in our raw materials very seriously. We operate in nine fermentation and drying centers near plantations in Sierra Leone. This allows us to carefully control the post-harvest process and minimize nutrient loss.
Likewise, we roast the cocoa at a low temperature and for a short period of time, which helps maintain a high percentage of polyphenols and other healthy nutrients. This approach not only improves the quality of chocolate, but also ensures that our products are more nutritious for our consumers.
We also avoid the alkalization of cocoa, a process that reduces its bitterness and acidity, but in turn destroys a large part of the polyphenols. By not alkalizing the cocoa, we preserve these essential antioxidant compounds, ensuring that every bite of our chocolate is both delicious and succulent.
Choosing chocolates with a minimum of 70% cocoa is good practice, but it is even better to opt for those that have been processed with methods that preserve their nutrients. At Organic Africa Chocolate, we are committed to offering sustainable and conscious chocolates that not only taste good, but also take care of your health and the planet.
For more information about OAC and its products, visit us on our website!
Web: Delicious and healthy chocolate – Organic Africa Chocolate
Contact email for blind tastings: aitzi@doortoeurope.com
Workshop in Esplugues de Llobregat: de Cornellà 51, 08950, Barcelona
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🌟¡Hola!🌟 As you know, beyond making #DeliciousChocolate, we are also passionately committed to the #Welfare of #OurSociety and the #Preservation of the #Environment🌍. Our outreach work not only generates smiles, it also drives sustainable development 💪 and boosts the empowerment of the farming communities in Sierra Leone.
📝 Through this Blog, you'll dive into the amazing #Cacao universe and discover further about the #OAC project in #Africa. We sincerely hope you share our joint vision for a more fair and equitable world! 💬
I'm Aitziber, part of the OAC Marketing team and the author of this article 😊 We'd love to know what you thoughts are about it! 👇Leave us your comments👇
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