The present invention is directed to a panned confectionery product comprising a chocolate piece having a color adherent coating on a surface of the chocolate piece, wherein the coating comprises a color adherent coating solution selected from the group consisting of a chocolate polish and a confectionery glaze and at least one edible colorant adhered to the coating solution.

The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the full utilization of cacao pod husks comprising the steps of debacterizing the pod surface and opening cacao the pods, separating the cacao pod husks from, cacao pulp, cacao placenta, cacao beans and cacao bean hulls, and drying separated cacao pod husks wherein separated and dried cacao pod husks are further processed by a method comprising the steps of a) grinding the cacao pod husks; b) optional acid extraction; c) a first enzymatic treatment; d) alkaline solubilization; e) a first decantation with centrifuge; f) ultrafiltration; g) acid extraction; h) a second decantation with centrifuge; i) a second enzymatic treatment; j) ultrafiltration and extract purification; k) concentration of the extract; l) drying of the concentrated extract. The invention also relates to extracts and compositions obtained thereof and their applications.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cacao bean-derived food material showing little oil seepage and various foods using the same. A composition having a particle size distribution in the range of 10 m to 1.5 mm and containing undisrupted cacao bean cells is provided. A composition containing undisrupted cacao bean cells, which has a free fat content ratio of 60% by weight or lower based on oil content is also provided. A composition containing 30% or more of undisrupted cells in cacao bean cells is further provided. A composition containing undisrupted cacao bean cells, which has a breaking strength of 3 kgf or lower is further provided.

A method for reducing or removing scuff marks on the surface of a confectionery product, said method comprising subjecting said product to a heat treatment, for example in a heating chamber or by application or a hot gas or infra-red blower, for a period of time and at a temperature which is sufficient to remove scuff marks but insufficient to de-temper or cause heat damage to the product.

A process for the preparation of a confectionery composition and compositions producible by the process. Molten chocolate and a liquid filling are supplied to a nip (12) defined by the juxtaposition of a pair of forming elements (10). The chocolate and the liquid filling are passed through said nip (12) by motion of said forming elements (10). At least one of said pair of forming elements has a plurality of recesses in its peripheral surface and the liquid filling is supplied in pulses above the nip so as to coincide with the presentation of recesses at the nip. In this way the chocolate envelops the liquid filling and thereby forms liquid-filled chocolate capsules interconnected by a web of chocolate. The capsules may be separated from the web and may be placed in a chocolate shell.

The present invention is directed to a panned confectionery product comprising a chocolate piece having a color adherent coating on a surface of the chocolate piece, wherein the coating comprises a color adherent coating solution selected from the group consisting of a chocolate polish and a confectionery glaze and at least one edible colorant adhered to the coating solution.

The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the full utilization of cacao pod husks comprising the steps of debacterizing the pod surface and opening cacao the pods, separating the cacao pod husks from, cacao pulp, cacao placenta, cacao beans and cacao bean hulls, and drying separated cacao pod husks wherein separated and dried cacao pod husks are further processed by a method comprising the steps of a) grinding the cacao pod husks; b) optional acid extraction; c) a first enzymatic treatment; d) alkaline solubilization; e) a first decantation with centrifuge; f) ultrafiltration; g) acid extraction; h) a second decantation with centrifuge; i) a second enzymatic treatment; j) ultrafiltration and extract purification; k) concentration of the extract; l) drying of the concentrated extract. The invention also relates to extracts and compositions obtained thereof and their applications.

Some aspects of the disclosure relate to multi-stage processes for preparing an alkalized cocoa material. In some examples, the process includes mixing cocoa and alkalization agents together, and mixing/heating until reaching an elevated mixing temperature. The process may include mixing these components together at the elevated mixing temperature for at least one hold period to provide a mixture, then aerating the mixture. The process may include an additional treatment or treatments at a held elevated temperature. The process may then include drying the mixture to provide an alkalized cocoa material.

Method of processing cocoa plant cell cultures, comprising the induction of callus from cocoa bean explants or enzymatic disaggregation of cocoa bean cells, growing cocoa bean cells in the suspension cell culture for a time and under conditions sufficient to produce a biomass comprising secondary metabolites; and separating the biomass from the suspension cell culture to provide a liquid phase and in vitro-manufactured cocoa powder in a bioreactor selected from a stirred tank bioreactor, an orbitally shaken bioreactor, a bubble column bioreactor or an air-lift bioreactor. The method enables cocoa powder to be manufactured in vitro effectively in the quantity and quality required to compete with conventional cocoa powder processing. In addition, methods of manufacturing chocolate or chocolate-like products using said in vitro-manufactured cocoa powder, uses of the latter, and related products are described.

An object is to provide a novel food material that can effectively utilize characteristic color tones derived from anthocyanins, maintains a large amount of procyanidins, which are functional ingredients of cacao, and is applicable to a variety of foods. A cacao fruit ground product having a pH of 4.5 or lower and electroconductivity is provided. The color tone of the cacao fruit ground product is defined with an L* value of 29 or larger, an a* value of 18 or larger, and a b* value of 25 or smaller.