The difference between non-alkalized pure cocoa powder and alkalized cocoa powder
Pure cocoa powder is divided into 2 types: non-alkalized pure cocoa powder and alkaline pure cocoa powder, depending on the intended use that consumers choose to use. So the difference between non-alkaliized pure cocoa powder and alkaline pure cocoa powder, let's find out with Cacao Trong Duc right away.
1. Why is it necessary to alkalize cocoa powder?
In cocoa powder, which contains acidic substances. These acids create the sour taste of cocoa powder. Depending on the place of cultivation, soil, climate and cocoa variety and acidity varies. The alkalization - ie separating the acid from the cocoa powder helps to make the flavor of the powder more intense, the aftertaste more pronounced. The alkalization process causes cocoa powder to lose some nutrients, but science proves it to be insignificant.
2. Basic difference between non-alkaliized pure cocoa powder and alkalized cocoa powder
About the taste
After being alkalized, cocoa powder will be easier to drink, smooth and sweet, reducing bitterness and no longer sour. The scent is unchanged. Only change in taste.
About color
Alkalized pure cocoa powder will have a darker color than the non-alkalized version. Cocoa powders produced in Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia usually have low acidity, so they do not need much alkalization. So the color after alkalization is not much different from the original color.
In contrast, cocoa powder produced in South American countries has much higher acidity, making the alkalizing process more complicated, so the color of the powder will be much darker.
About the nutritional content
The difference in nutritional content was not significantly different between these two types of cocoa powder. However, non-alkaliized pure cocoa powder will have more Polyphenols, which are a very effective antioxidant.
In cocoa powders produced in Asia, because of the low alkalization process, the nutritional content as well as the polyphenols do not change significantly.
3. Other pure cocoa powders
In addition to alkalizing and non-alking, cocoa powder is also divided according to the fat content in the powder.
During the production of cocoa powder, cocoa beans are defatted before being ground and roasted into cocoa powder. The type of fat that is extracted from the cocoa bean is called cocoa butter. The type of cocoa powder that is 100% skimmed is called black cocoa powder (referred to as defatted), has a bitter taste and a little aroma. Other flours will still retain 5-15% of the fat content (called unfat), making the dough more delicious and fragrant.
- From there, we will have a total of 4 types of pure cocoa powder:
- Alkalized and defatted pure cocoa powder
- Pure cocoa powder, alkalized and not defatted
- Unalkalized and defatted pure cocoa powder
- Pure cocoa powder, not alkalized and not defatted
4. Reasons for you to add pure cocoa powder to your daily menu
- Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, which have significant health benefits, including antioxidants, reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
- May reduce high blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels: The flavanols in cocoa help improve blood nitric oxide levels, which can enhance the function of blood vessels and reduce high blood pressure.
- Cocoa powder contains very little caffeine but high in theobromine. Theobromine helps the body stay awake and refreshed just like caffeine. So, if you are a coffee drinker, you can drink cocoa powder instead.
- Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke thanks to the flavanols in cocoa.
- Reducing stress thanks to polyphenols improves blood flow to brain function and helps reduce the risk of neurodegeneration to have a positive effect on mood.
- Aids in the treatment of diabetes
- Supports weight loss by regulating energy use, reducing appetite and increasing fat burning. Catechins compounds found in cocoa can help burn more calories in the muscles when you exercise, helping to lose weight effectively.
- Supports diet, beautiful skin and has high antibacterial properties.
5. Which cocoa powder should I choose?
Depending on the purpose of use and taste of each person, there will be different options. Eg:
- Those who like sour and bitter taste can use type 3, unalkalized and defatted.
- Those who like fat, fragrant, easy to drink, easy to make cakes, choose type 2, alkalized and unfatted. This is also the most commonly used type.
6. Where to buy cocoa powder?
Cacao Trong Duc is proud to be a supplier of 100% pure cocoa butter and cocoa powder products with a nationwide dealer network. Trong Duc Cacao is committed to providing 100% pure products, without mixing impurities or additives.