Question

The process for the development of cocoa mass follows a sequence of
(A). Milling
(B). Cleaning and roasting
(C). Breaking and winnowing
(D). Fermentation of dried beans
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B), (C), (D).
• B. (D), (B), (C), (A).
• C. (B), (A), (D), (C).
• D. (C), (B), (D), (A).

Hint:

Remember the cocoa process flow: It starts with raw beans (Fermentation), then they are prepared (Roasting), then the shell is removed (Winnowing), and finally, the core (nib) is ground (Milling) to get the mass.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The conversion of raw cocoa beans into cocoa mass (also known as cocoa liquor), the primary ingredient for chocolate, involves several key processing steps. This question asks for the correct order of these steps.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The journey from bean to mass is as follows:
1. The process begins at the farm level after harvesting. The cocoa beans and pulp are subjected to (D) Fermentation, followed by drying. This step is crucial for developing the precursor compounds for chocolate flavor.
2. The dried beans are then transported to the processing plant, where they are first cleaned to remove foreign matter and then roasted. (B) Cleaning and roasting develops the characteristic chocolate aroma and flavor and loosens the outer shell.
3. The roasted beans are then passed through a machine that breaks them into smaller pieces and uses air currents to separate the light outer shells from the heavier inner part, known as the cocoa nib. This is (C) Breaking and winnowing.
4. The final step to produce cocoa mass is to grind the cocoa nibs into a fine paste. The heat generated during this process melts the cocoa butter in the nibs, resulting in a thick liquid. This is (A) Milling.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct sequence is Fermentation \(\rightarrow\) Cleaning and roasting \(\rightarrow\) Breaking and winnowing \(\rightarrow\) Milling. This corresponds to the order (D), (B), (C), (A), which is option (B).