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US 7,709,041 B2Granted
Low-fat cocoa powder
AssigneeCargill, Incorporated
InventorsIan C. Purtle, Todd W. Gusek, Bassam F. Jirjis, Frans W. Boddenheim
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Techniques for processing cocoa mass are provided. In general, the techniques involve solvent extraction of cocoa fat from cocoa mass, to achieve a desirable cocoa butter and low-fat cocoa powder. In one preferred process, the cocoa mass is the result of grinding cocoa nibs, with absence of a mechanical pressing and heating step, to advantage. Preferred products and uses are characterized.
Claims4
A cocoa powder consisting essentially of ground cocoa nibs having a fat content of no more than about 0.5 wt. %;
- a mean particle size of about 6 to 10 microns;
- and a residual hydrocarbon solvent level of no more than about 3 ppm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.