Hi Peekay friends! In the culinary world chocolate is a very flexible ingredient in every dish. Like cocoa powder, for example, do you know what cocoa powder is used for? This chocolate product can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from basic ingredients to ingredients for decoration. In fact, there are many types of chocolate cakes that are more suitable for making using cocoa powder than chocolate bars.
Let's get to know more about what cocoa powder is, its uses and benefits, and the best cocoa powder recommendations. Let's see the full explanation below!
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Cocoa powder is produced from cocoa liquor or cocoa mass that is pressed to separate the chocolate oil and solids. The solids are then pulverized into cacao powder.
Cocoa powder has two variants, namely those made using the natural process (Broma process) and the Dutch process. Naturally processed cocoa powder usually has a more sour taste and is often used to make several types of cakes that use baking soda as one of the ingredients.
Whereas cocoa powder made using the Dutch process is processed using alkaline substances (potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate) to reduce its acidity, change its color, and make it taste lighter. Typically, Dutch process cocoa powder is often used as the base for most modern chocolates, and is used in ice cream, hot chocolate, and cakes.
Cocoa powder is very versatile as it can be used for a wide variety of purposes. The following are some of the uses of cocoa powder, especially for baking.
Cocoa powder is an ingredient that is often used as a base for making chocolate, such as chocolate bars. In addition, cocoa powder is also widely used to make chocolate-flavored cakes, such as brownies, sponge cakes, donuts, and other chocolate cakes. In addition to baking, cocoa powder can also be used to make chocolate drinks by mixing it with hot water or milk.
Cocoa powder has 100% pure cocoa content in it. So, your cake creations can have a richer chocolate flavor if you use cocoa powder. However, Peekay pals will need to add more sugar to make the cake taste sweet because most cocoa powder products do not have sugar content in them.
Another function or use of cocoa powder is as a topping for cakes and pastries. In fact, some cake recipes such as brownies or sponge cakes will usually use cocoa powder as a topping on top. In addition, cocoa powder is also suitable as a topping for ice cream or gelato to add chocolate flavor.
Apart from being a topping, cocoa powder can also be used as a decoration. Cocoa powder usually has a deep black color that is very beautiful. So that not a few people use it as a decoration, especially if the cake has a brighter color, cocoa powder can complement the decoration and add to the taste of the cake to be more delicious.
While chocolate usually comes with a sweet taste thanks to the addition of butter, milk and sugar, cocoa powder does not. Cocoa powder is often processed into dark chocolate, so it still has a pretty authentic flavor because it hasn't had any other ingredients added to it.
Before using it as an ingredient in cakes, ice cream, and other favorite treats, here are the health benefits of cocoa powder:
Antioxidants are substances that are responsible for counteracting the adverse effects of free radicals, which can trigger various diseases in the body. Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids as part of polyphenolic compounds, which are natural antioxidants.
A study conducted by the British Cardiac Society on nearly 158,000 people found that eating lots of chocolate can in fact reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because cocoa is believed to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body.
According to Dr. Elson Haas, an author of Staying Healthy with Nutrition, cocoa bean powder can improve mood and overcome depression. This positive effect comes from the flavanol compounds that stabilize serotonin, a chemical in the body that controls emotions.
Based on findings from a study published in the Cochrane Library, the flavonoids in cocoa powder are believed to improve nitric oxide levels in the blood. This will also simultaneously lower blood pressure.
If you need cocoa powder, Prambanan Kencana has several recommendations for high-quality cocoa powder products that you should try.
Premium cocoa powder from selected cacao beans originating from West Africa and processed with Dutch Processing so as to produce colors, flavors and aromas that are suitable for use as dough mixtures and decorations. Available in 2 variants, namely, Dark Cocoa Powder which has a fat content of 10-12% and Extra Dark Cocoa Powder which has a fat content of 22-24%.
Premium quality alkalized chocolate powder with 22-24% fat content. Has a very strong powdered chocolate flavor and aroma. Using the finest cacao beans from West Africa. Bensdorp Alkalized Cocoa Powder can be applied in bread, beverage & pastry.
There are two variants, namely, Cocoa Powder Alkalized DF 705 - 11 which has a fat content of 10-12%. It has a lighter color but the taste and aroma of chocolate remains strong. Then there is Cocoa Powder Alkalized 22/24 Maleo which has 22-24% fat content. It has a darker color, with a very strong chocolate flavor and aroma.
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