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Cocoa beans
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Cocoa beans are common nuts that grow inside the fruit of a cocoa tree. They are filled with natural bitterness, pleasant freshness and unforgettable taste.
They include an incredible amount of antioxidants and vitamins. It is simply impossible to find them in finished chocolate. Because, during the cooking process, cocoa is treatable.
Raw materials of cocoa beans
At first glance these are common nuts, there is nothing special about them. But this is only if you evaluate them in terms of visualization. Cocoa beans are ways to give freshness, fill the room with fragrance and energize the body.
This raw material is very useful, because it includes many vitamins and antioxidants. Thus, polyphenols contained in cocoa beans are powerful plant antioxidants. In addition to them, raw materials also contain minerals. The activity of these components exceeds even vitamin E, and tens of times. In addition, cocoa beans are not only mega-useful, but also mega-flavored.
And finally, it is worth noting that it is these fruits that can improve the interaction of a married couple who lives together for a long time. Here it should be said that it is not only about feelings, but feelings of love, as well as increased libido. Raw cocoa beans help to improve the condition of the skin and hair, thereby affecting the erotic, and better perception of each other.
Varieties of cocoa beans
Their classification is numerous. But in fact, there are only two of the most basic groups of cocoa beans. So it's cryollo and forastero. The first option includes noble and varietal types of raw materials. As a rule, it is a culture that yields a small crop. But, despite this quality of such cocoa beans, is at a high level.
As for foraster, it is consumer or ordinary varieties. This culture is more productive. In this case, "cocoa" beans of medium quality are produced. True, despite this, tutu has its own exceptions. For example, varieties that were bred in Ecuador are capable of yielding high quality crops.
In addition to the two main crops, there are also many hybrids. Without this cocoa, beans simply could not exist. Therefore, they can be divided into four classes. So it's Criollo, Trinitario, Nacional and Forastero.
If you look at the origin, then cocoa beans are American, African and Asian. By their name it becomes clear where this or that raw material comes from. Dried beans also have their own classification. So, they can be bitter, sour, tart and tender. In general, for each gourmet there are cocoa beans.
Benefits of cocoa beans
It should immediately be said that this raw material is real wealth. It contains a huge amount of necessary elements for the body. One of them is epicatechin. Thanks to him, it is possible to reduce the incidence of stroke, heart attack, diabetes and even cancer.
Another important element is the cocohil. It promotes the growth of skin cells. Thus, wounds heal much faster, in addition wrinkles are smoothed out, and the risk of stomach ulcers is prevented. Organic cocoa in its primary raw form enriches the body with magnesium. There is a feeling of euphoria. Arginine in turn is one of the natural aphrodisiacs. Tryptophan is a powerful antidepressant. Thanks to magnesium, the heart works much better. Blood swings more effectively, pressure decreases, strong bones are built. Sulfur improves skin, nails and hair. In general, cocoa beans accelerate and improve all processes.
In general, in the use of cocoa there is nothing wrong. A person who constantly takes it, runs the risk of becoming a happy person. The thing is that the amount of antioxidants in it is several times higher than in green tea, blueberries and blackberries. So cocoa beans are very useful.
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Cacao beans harm
In fact, there are a lot of them. So, harm can be due to the caffeine content. There is not much of this ingredient in cocoa. But, despite this, if children abuse cocoa, then nothing good will come of it.
The fact is that caffeine is a rather controversial product. His harm and benefit can be spoken endlessly. So, caffeine is peculiarly acting on the heart, so people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system should better refrain from consuming cocoa beans.
However strange it might sound, the damage to cocoa beans can also be due to sanitary conditions. Thus, cockroaches live in raw materials. Naturally, the products sold in stores do not. But if you yourself collect fruits, you can meet with the inhabitants of cocoa face to face.
Beans are dangerous because of their composition. So, they can contain chemicals. Because they grow them often with the use of a large number of pesticides.
Well, finally, a person can just have an allergy to cocoa beans. The fact is that in the seeds themselves there are no substances that can cause an allergic reaction. This phenomenon can provoke earlier "living" there cockroaches and other pests. Therefore, it is worth to use caoa beans with caution. More precisely, to say for yourself, to prepare from raw fruits various culinary delights.
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Properties of cocoa beans
It should be noted that raw materials are simply overfilled with useful substances and vitamins. And their content is so great that it simply amazes researchers and scientists.
So, how does cocoa work? It can balance the general state, and bring a person to life. I mean, to put it simply, to cheer up and remove the spleen. In addition, blood circulation, the state of certain areas of the brain, improves. Also, the reaction and thought processes improve.
Cocoa beans enhance pleasure and relieve fatigue. They are able to remove stress, and remove the depressive state. In addition, the sexual sensation intensifies. The state of health and mood improve on their own. Despite such a huge number of positive properties, cocoa beans do not cause drug addiction at all.
If you use them for 5-10 years, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing tumors. Finally, increase the level of estrogen in women. In general, cocoa beans are capable of
Chemical composition of cocoa beans
The main components of beans are fats, alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids and minerals.
If we take as a basis the chemical composition, then the value is represented by the nucleus, the cocoa shell and the embryo. They contain a large amount of ash, fiber and other substances. In the core is cocoa butter, the total component of which is 55%. Basically, it is stearic and palmitic acids.
Tannins. They are able to give beans a rather specific bitter taste, as well as their color. The colorants contained in cocoa beans are called anthocyanins.
Carbohydrates. This starch, in an amount of 5-9%, sucrose, glucose and fructose. Also in the cocoa beans are organic acids, such as lemon, apple, tartaric and acetic.
Minerals. These include phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. In addition, there is also ash. Its content in cocoa beans is 2-4%, in the cocoa 6-9%.
Aromatic substances. The composition of cocoa beans is sufficient. They play a huge role in creating that particular chocolate flavor. As it was established earlier, the amount of compounds does not exceed 300. The characteristic aroma is due to the reaction of sugar, amino acids and polyphenols.
Finally, cocoa beans also contain vitamins. Basically, these are useful components of group B. In addition, it is biotin, nicotinic and pantothenic acids. They are contained in the cocoa shell, nucleus and bud of cocoa beans.
How to use cocoa beans?
In its raw form, these fruits are very useful for the body. They tend to restore energy and hormonal balance. In addition, they are able to improve eyesight, improve performance, have a powerful antidepressant effect, and also raise the tone. All the useful substances that make up the seeds protect the human body. As a rule, cocoa is included in the diet of those people who for some reason are physically weakened. In addition, with colds, these fruits can have a positive effect. The cleared fruits are tender, crunchy and most importantly, they have a great taste.
If you constantly consume cocoa beans, then in time they will be able to normalize the menstrual cycle, eliminate apathy and even rejuvenate. Long-term use promises a quality therapeutic effect. If there are warts, papillomas and other skin problems, then cocoa beans can cope with this phenomenon. Raw fruit is a reliable protection against all kinds of tumors. In view of the fact that the raw material has a complex chemical composition, it helps to excite the nervous system, prevent the formation of thrombi and even improve the function of the heart.
Antioxidants, which are in the cocoa beans, increase the activity of radicals in the cells of the human body. They effectively protect against infections and viruses. As for polyphenols, they are able to break down fats and thereby prevent the development of atherosclerosis and other diseases associated with the cardiovascular system. Cocoa beans are very useful in all senses.
How to use cocoa beans?
So, crushed beans can be used in many ways. So, the first thing you can do with raw materials is to eat a couple of pieces raw. The second option is to use cocoa along with honey. It is necessary only to dip fruits in sweetness. It is worth noting that for a person who tries this delicacy for the first time, a whole dedication is carried out. Beans are very encouraging. Therefore, it is worth eating only a couple of grains, and the charge of vivacity for some time is provided.
There is another way of using beans. To do this, they need to be cleaned and mixed together with crushed nuts and honey. The taste in this case is gentle. In addition, nuts also have an active effect. In order to properly clean the nuts, it is necessary to pour them with water for a couple of minutes, then remove the peel with a knife. But do not rush to throw it away. Because the milled peel is a good face scrub.
And finally, you can make a delicious drink from cocoa. It is only necessary to grind the cocoa powder and pour boiling water. You can add milk to taste. Get a delicious drink. In general, cocoa beans are used in different versions.
How to cook cocoa from cocoa beans?
To prepare a tasty and healthy drink you will have to get some ingredients. So, to prepare four servings, you need to take 200-300 grams of beans. A couple of pieces of them can be freely eaten during the cooking process. You will also need 200-300 grams of honey, 20-30 grams of cinnamon and a vanilla pod.
In addition, you will need to get a frying pan, tolkushka and a couple of plates. The first step is to prepare the cocoa beans. They are thoroughly rinsed, then carefully rubbed into containers and filled with water. This action will quickly get rid of the peel. Now the beans are cleaned and various spices are prepared. So, as a "lotion" will suit honey and vanilla. All this is thoroughly mixed with beans. Now the components are crushed to a chocolate mass. For this case, a coffee grinder is suitable. After all this, the received mass is poured with boiling water. It is possible to add a little milk. Thus, and prepares a delicious cocoa.
Recipes from cocoa beans
There are a variety of recipes from cocoa beans, many of which are real works of art. Most people love delicious sweets. So, therefore, it is worth considering one simple recipe.
For cooking, you need to take 500 grams of cocoa beans, about 150 grams of cocoa butter, as much honey, a couple of vanilla pods and a little cinnamon. For a filling, poppy, sesame and orange peel will do. Now you can start cooking. The first step is to wash the cocoa beans and peel them. Then put a piece of butter on a frying pan and melt it. It is important that its temperature does not exceed 50 degrees. Then all this is intensively mixed, vanilla and cinnamon are added. All is carefully mixed and honey is added to taste. So, and get delicious candy. You can try them immediately. If you want to make the candies hard, you should send them for a while in the refrigerator.
In principle, all this mass can be poured with boiling water and get a delicious drink. In fact, there are a lot of recipes with cocoa beans. It is important not to forget to eat a couple of raw kernels daily. Then cocoa beans will have a positive effect on the body as a whole.
Chocolate from cocoa beans
The most delicious chocolate from cocoa beans to cook is very simple. The main components of this product are raw materials and cocoa butter. The fact is that you buy these ingredients in a regular supermarket. Pleasure is not cheap.
After the ingredients have been bought, you need to go to the cooking process. So, first of all beans need to be peeled off. After that, grind everything on a coffee grinder and fry in a pan. Thus, cocoa beans can open their own unique flavor. Further they are mixed with cocoa butter. The most optimal proportion is 50 to 50. This will soften the taste, because cocoa beans are bitter in themselves. To bring the matter to an end, you have to weld all the ingredients described above on a water bath. For this purpose, the ordinary Turk perfectly fits. During the cooking process, you can add a little sugar powder, so you get caramel.
If you want to make milk chocolate, then milk powder is perfect. But in this case it is necessary to observe a certain proportion, namely 40 to 60. It should be noted that milk is able to volatilize the useful properties of chocolate. The received raw materials are spread on silicone forms. Then for a while it should be left alone, so that the chocolate is frozen. Through time, a treat can be consumed. That's so delicious can be cocoa beans.
Cocoa beans oil
Cocoa butter has many useful properties. To get this raw material, it is necessary to press cocoa beans. During this process, a squeezed yellowish liquid is obtained. In this case, it has a sharp odor, and even a taste. Therefore, they will need to be mitigated. For this, steam treatment is used in a vacuum.
During the cooling, the cocoa butter gets crystallized, becomes hard and cold. The effect of this component in its raw form exceeds any known cosmetic means. In this case, the skin is absorbed by fatty acids, as well as flavanols. By itself, cocoa butter improves the functioning of the cells of the upper layers of the skin. Thus, wrinkles are removed.
When cocoa butter is used for food, the condition of the vessels improves. In addition, their elasticity increases. Beneficially it affects the inner layers of the skin, as well as the subcutaneous tissue. With this ingredient you can prepare treats. Cocoa butter is stored at a temperature of 0 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Cocoa butter is a complete complex of vitamins, proteins, and microelements. All of them together are sources of good health. They are able to increase the vitality of the body. In general, cocoa beans are a very high quality and useful product.
Cocoa beans for weight loss
Are cocoa beans effective for losing weight and are they used in general in this "industry"? In its raw form, fruits have very interesting properties. In addition, they are useful.
So, the composition of cocoa beans includes a lot of vitamins, trace elements and other components. Thanks to which not only improve all the functions of the body, but even improve metabolism. What does it say? The fact is that with the help of cocoa you can lose weight.
There is a special type of cocoa, called "live". It promotes rapid fat burning. But you can not take it in large quantities. And in general, it is better to get medical advice.
As for ordinary cocoa, it does not have magical properties that help to lose weight. But there is one advantage in this case. Cocoa is almost non-caloric, which allows you to use it in different amounts. But you should not abuse this.
In general, cocoa beans are ways to speed up the metabolism. Therefore, they can help with weight loss.
Drink from cocoa beans
A delicious and effective beverage from cocoa beans is very easy to prepare. For cooking, take about 200 grams of the main ingredient. In addition, about 30 grams of cocoa butter. You also need cane sugar, cinnamon and vanilla to taste.
The method of preparation is as follows. Cocoa beans are washed and peeled. Then they need to be crushed. Further on the heated frying pan the received raw material is put. Add butter, sugar and vanilla to taste. Do not forget about cocoa butter. The resulting mass is carefully beaten with a whisk or a mixer. Then add about 200 grams of water. The resulting raw materials should be left alone, so that all this cooled down to 30-40 degrees. After that, the drink can be poured into cups and enjoy a unique taste.
To improve the taste, you can add a little ginger or a couple of cinnamon sticks. In this case, everything is purely individual. Cocoa beans allow to prepare a wonderful drink that will warm the soul and body.
Cost of cocoa beans
What is the optimal cost of cocoa beans? It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally. It all depends on the type of cocoa beans. So, the cost can vary from 100 rubles to 100 dollars per kilogram.
Much depends on both the variety and the useful qualities of the product itself. There are special cocoa beans that stimulate the work of metabolism. So, they are aimed at speeding up the process of losing weight. Called green or live beans. You can not eat them daily. They are useful though they can not be used constantly.
In general, it is quite possible to find cheaper options. If you can not find a certain amount to buy, then ordinary cocoa powder will help. Thanks to it you can also prepare chocolate, drinks and other delicious dishes. It is important to simply understand how to handle it.
It is not necessary to chase exquisite varieties. The main thing is to be able to cook and create masterpieces. Cocoa beans are a universal product, they are suitable for both health promotion and body toning.