Unsweetened cocoa powder is a popular baking ingredient used to create many dessert items. It is derived from cocoa beans that are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor, which is refined and then further ground to produce unsweetened cocoa powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder serves many uses in the kitchen. In addition, it may even provide health benefits. It is quite an innovative ingredient.
The Facts
Unsweetened cocoa powder offers several benefits in baking, including control, longevity and substitution. It also offers possible health benefits as well due to its . Unsweetened cocoa powder is derived from cocoa beans, which are rich in antioxidants. Consequently, unsweetened cocoa powder contains many antioxidants too.
Baking Benefits
Unsweetened cocoa powder serves one extremely useful purpose in baking. It allows the cook to control how much sugar is in the prepared dessert. Unlike sweetened cocoa powder, which contains added sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder contains no added sugar, which is much more ideal for baking. This is especially beneficial in preparing desserts for diabetes patients, who require a controlled amount of sugar. In addition, it gives the cook more ease in preparing difficult or delicate recipes that require precision in ingredients.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is a baking ingredient that will keep indefinitely. Because it is refined and ground, it will not spoil as easily as some baking ingredients. It can last for two years or more. This is advantageous because it eliminates the need to use the product before an expiration date or the chance that it will spoil quickly and be wasted. In addition, the need to worry over freshness will not arise. Unsweetened cocoa powder should be stored in an airtight container to ensure maximum usability.
Another particular baking benefit offered by unsweetened cocoa powder is its ability to act as a substitute for other cocoa-based ingredients. For instance, unsweetened cocoa powder may be used in the place of Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It may also be used as a substitute for sweetened cocoa powder. This is especially ideal for when those situations arise in which a cook finds himself lacking an ingredient and the time to go purchase it.
Healthful Benefits
Unsweetened cocoa powder offers healthful benefits in addition to the benefits it offers in the kitchen. According to an article written by Leah L. Porter, the director of the scientific and regulatory programs for the Chocolate Manufacturers Association and the American Cocoa Institute, unsweetened cocoa powder has been determined to be rich in flavonoids, which is a subclass of polyphenols. Some of these flavonoids found in unsweetened cocoa powder are flavonals, epicatechin, catechin and proanthocyanidins, all of which contain powerful antioxidant properties. These can help slow down the aging process and prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, unsweetened cocoa powder contains more of these healthful properties than other cocoa forms because it contains a higher content of cocoa. Moreover, the USDA even reports that antioxidants are thought to help prevent cancer, stroke and heart disease.
Significance
According to the USDA, the discovery of antioxidants in unsweetened cocoa powder is significant because it could lead to changes in food and cocoa processing that could boost the antioxidant value of beverages and confections made from cocoa beans. By increasing the antioxidant value of commonly consumed ingredients like cocoa, the cancer and heart disease rate could decrease.
Misconceptions
Although unsweetened cocoa powder offers antioxidant properties that may provide healthful benefits, this does not mean that overconsumption of this product will be beneficial to an individual. Cocoa is used to create desserts and contains many other sugary and fatty ingredients as well. Too much chocolate intake can be detrimental to an individual's health. Do not misconstrue the healthful properties of cocoa with prepared desserts loaded with sugar.
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