Coffee beans and cocoa beans: the secrets of drinks and chocolate

Coffee beans and cocoa beans: the secrets of drinks and chocolate

Coffee and chocolate are common delicacies in people's lives. They are inseparable from two important raw materials: coffee beans and cocoa beans. These two beans are carefully processed to become our favorite drinks and chocolates. This article will focus on coffee beans and cocoa beans to reveal the secrets behind them.

1. The Origin of Coffee and Chocolate

Coffee originated in Ethiopia, Africa. It is said that a shepherd discovered that goats became unusually active after eating the fruit of a certain plant, and gave the fruit to monks to try to make a drink. Chocolate originated in South America and was already enjoyed by the nobility during the ancient Mayan civilization.

2. The production process of coffee and chocolate

Coffee production includes picking, peeling, fermentation, and drying. First, farmers will select coffee berries of suitable maturity for picking, then peel the berries, leaving the coffee beans inside. Next, the coffee beans will go through fermentation and drying to remove the pulp and moisture and give them a special flavor.

The production of chocolate requires the picking, fermentation, roasting, and grinding of cocoa beans. Farmers pick mature cocoa beans from cocoa trees and place them in containers for fermentation. After fermentation for an appropriate period of time, the cocoa beans are dried and roasted to increase the aroma. Finally, the clean cocoa powder that has been broken and shelled is further processed in the machine.

3. Coffee and chocolate quality evaluation

For coffee, the quality evaluation mainly includes aroma, taste and aftertaste. Aroma is felt by smelling, and coffee grown in different regions varies due to different soil, climate and other conditions; taste depends on each person's personal preference, some people like a strong taste, while others prefer a light taste; aftertaste is the taste of coffee left in the mouth after tasting.

The quality of chocolate mainly includes appearance, texture and taste. Appearance refers to whether the surface of chocolate is flat and smooth, and whether the color is uniform, etc. Texture depends on the size and uniformity of bubbles inside the chocolate, and taste is related to the cocoa content and additives in the chocolate.

4. Coffee and Chocolate Culture

Coffee and chocolate both have rich and diverse cultural connotations. Coffee is known as the "black magic". It is not only a drink, but also a symbol of social interaction, art and lifestyle. Whether it is espresso or American coffee, different countries have formed unique cultural customs.

Chocolate is also considered a sweet thing and is often given as a gift to relatives, friends or lovers on special occasions such as Valentine's Day and Christmas. In addition, chocolate has many special production methods and uses, such as baking and melting.

5. Health Benefits of Coffee and Chocolate

Coffee and chocolate have certain health benefits when consumed in moderation. Caffeine is one of the most important ingredients in coffee, which can refresh the mind, increase concentration, and has antioxidant effects. Cocoa beans are rich in antioxidants and magnesium, which can promote blood circulation and improve mood.

Conclusion

Whether it is coffee or chocolate, they play an important role in our daily lives. Knowing the secrets behind them can help us better appreciate these delicacies and cherish the happiness and satisfaction they bring us.