Changes in Chemical Properties of Dreid Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Beans during Fermentation

Changes in acidification and sugars of cocoa pulp during fermentation of pulp pre-conditioned cocoa (Theobroma cacao) beans were investigated using a 3 × 3 full factorial experimental design with tree level treatment (control (TI), inoculum added in begin fermentation (IA), inoculum added in step (IB) and fermentation time as principal factors. pH, non-volatile (titratable) acidity, reducing sugars, and fermentation indexes of cocoa beans were studied using standard analytical methods. pH of the cocoa nibs increased with inoculum added and fermentation with consequential decrease in non-volatile acidity. Contrary, inoculum added and fermentation decreased the reducing sugars in cocoa nib. The most abundant fermentation indexes in unfermented cocoa bean with values of (TI) 0.31–0.88, (IA) 0.32–0.99, (IB) 0.33–1.03).