Scientific research

In Malaysia, bean spreading was investigated as an alternative method to pod storage for preconditioning of pulp in order to reduce nib acidification during subsequent cocoa fermentation. Harvested pods were broken and the seeds were exposed to quick pulp surface drying either by spreading in full sunshine or by the use of a suitable drier. A decrease in the volume, water and sugar content was observed during spreading, which caused subsequent shallow box fermentation to run similarly to stored pod fermentation, showing a steep temperature increase, absence of an initial anaerobic phase, reduced acetic acid formation and a higher minimum pH value in the nibs. Irregularities in fermentations and practical problems are discussed.