Nutrient and antinutrient profiles of raw and fermented cocoa beans.
Freshly harvested cocoa bean was subjected to natural fermentation for 3, 6, 9 or 12 days. The proximate, mineral, hydrocyanate (HCN), oxalate and theobromine levels in the products were determined and compared with those of raw (unfermented) cocoa. The latter sample had the following composition: protein (N x 6.25), 17.5; lipid, 62.9; ash, 4.4; fibre, 5.9; and nitrogen-free extract (NFE), 9.3% dry matter. The effect of fermentation was variable, depending on duration and the nutrient under consideration. At day 3, protein content (17.6) was not different, but at day 6 (19.8) was higher (p <0.01), while days 9 and 12 (14.6 and 15.2, respectively) were lower (p <0.01) in comparison with the raw value. Inorganic P steadily decreased from 201.0 (raw) to 102.0 mg/100 g dry matter (day 12) but only the days 9 and 12 values were significantly different (p <O.O5), whereas Ca increased from 29.2 (raw) up to 60.4 mg/100 g dry matter (day 3). The antinutrients, HCN, oxalate, and theobromine decreased with increasing duration of fermentation. The decreases for days 6, 9 and 12 were significant (p <0.05). The results are discussed with regard to optimization of the duration of cocoa fermentation for improved nutrient profile.
Aremu
C Y
CY
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Agiang
M A
MA
Ayatse
J O
JO
D002099:Cacao / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000032:analysis; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D005285:Fermentation; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide / Q000032:analysis*; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis*; D009549:Nigeria; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010070:Oxalates / Q000032:analysis*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D013805:Theobromine / Q000032:analysis*; D013997:Time Factors
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D008903:Minerals; D010070:Oxalates; D010758:Phosphorus; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide; D013805:Theobromine; D002118:Calcium