The pieces stiffen as the syrup phase loses
moisture to the air and to the dry cocoa
particles.
Chocolate and Health
Fats and Antioxidants Cocoa beans, like all
seeds, are rich in nutrients that support the
plant embryo until it develops leaves and
roots. They’re especially rich in saturated fats,
which are notorious for contributing to raised
blood cholesterol levels and therefore to the
risk of heart disease. However, much of the
saturated fat in cocoa butter is a particular
fatty acid that the body immediately converts
into an unsaturated one (stearic acid is
converted to oleic acid). So chocolate is not
thought to pose a risk to the heart. In fact, it
may well be beneficial. Cocoa particles are a
tremendously rich source of antioxidant
phenolic compounds, which account for 8% of
the weight of cocoa powder. The higher the