Cocoa bean is a resource with great level of bioactive components that have shown potential beneficial effects on health, in addition to being the main ingredient in the chocolate industry. This study evaluated the total antioxidant capacity (quencher-DPPH°), polyphenols, fatty acid profile, and chromatic parameters of Peruvian commercial cocoa beans. The different analytes were quantified using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC/FID) and liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Results showed that the lightness (L*) and the hue angle (hab) were the greatest variation in both cocoa kernel and cocoa powder. The main fatty acids were oleic, stearic, and palmitic (respective averages of 34.48 ± 1.49, 31.81 ± 1.51 and 30.01 ± 0.89%). Theobromine (9.79–12.95 mg/g), catechin (3.90–18.22 mg/g) and epicatechin (6.15–13.09 mg/g) represented the major bioactives. Also, hybrid cultivars (Hy1, Hy2, Hy3, Hy4, Hy5, and Hy6) provided the highest content in polyphenols, flavonoids, and flavanols, also resulting in the highest total antioxidant capacity.

Colour, fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and total antioxidant capacity in commercial cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.)

As suggested in the Introduction, the development of nineteenth-century France may be seen as the result of two revolutions proceeding simultaneously: the political and the economic. Some of the long-term correlations between the two processes are indicated in the Chronology (at p. 23). The purpose of the present Part is to illustrate some of the basic economic changes in farming, trade, industry, and labor organizations. One of the recurrent themes is the interplay between State actions and social group actions. The paternalist and positive State which existed under Bonapartist rule did not die at Sedan. It persisted in attitudes and expectations, both of public authorities and of ordinary citizens. Had space permitted, many dramatic examples of capitalist enterprise might have been added-the formation of the Credit mobilier in 1852 and its collapse only fifteen years later, or the Union generale which repeated the story between 1878 and 1881; or the sensational affairs of the Suez and Panama Canals; or the automobile and aviation enterprises between the world wars. Not only are such themes ill-suited to documentary treatment, but also, on the principle that attitudes and modes of action are no less important than formal organizations, more attention has been given to peasant and workers’ activities.

The National Economy

Analysis of fruit ripening in Theobroma cacao pod husk based on untargeted metabolomics.

Currently, developing new or more efficient ways of producing bioenergy has caused governments from around the world to formulate compromises. These compromises translate, on a national scale, into government policies and strategies that aim to decarbonize the energy matrix of each country. The first step for efficient development is the quantification and energy-potential characterization of the available biomass. Using this framework, this study establishes the energy potential of the residual biomass produced by agricultural, agro-industrial, and forestry processes in Colombia, with gasification being the selected transformation technology. For this purpose, data from primary and secondary sources were analyzed. Next, some biomasses were prioritized according to their availability and physicochemical properties. Then, the theoretical energy potential of the total biomass produced in these productive sectors was estimated by using its physicochemical properties. The technical biomass–energy potential of the country (204.8–235.3 PJ) was estimated by considering the current level of unused biomass and evaluating the logistics and conditioning requirements of the gasification process, while accounting for the peaks and off-peaks of production in the country. Thus, if all the biomasses were processed in a gasification plant (22.2–24.0% efficiency), as proposed in this study, then the installed capacity—if the plant-use factor was 85%—would range between 1696.7–2111.3 MW. The results of the present research were validated by representatives of unions, companies, and government entities. 

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Harnessing Residual Biomass as a Renewable Energy Source in Colombia: A Potential Gasification Scenario

In the cacao industry changes in basic operations like treatment of the raw material have a great impact on reducing dead times, and final product quality. This study evaluated two draining and two drying pulp conditioning as possible alternatives to reduce the dead time associated with decreasing pulp moisture, conditions required to improve fermentation behavior, and final flavour profile. The results were compared with the control which corresponds to traditional fermentation. Physical, chemical, and sensory analyzes were recorded. A completely randomized experimental design was used with repeated measures over time. The results show that draining the beans for 5 h eliminated the storage step, reduced the total fermentation time from 9 to 7 days, and enhanced the fruity and nutty aromas and cocoa flavour, whereas the drying conditioning reduced flavour and aroma development. Finally, the draining conditioning reduces the dead time of the process and improves the fermentation time, and flavour and aroma of the final product. 

Maria C. García

Papers

Identification of potential maturity indicators for harvesting cacao