How To Tell If Your Cocoa Powder Is High-Quality
Whether you like nibbling on chocolate sugar cookies as a post-meal treat or enjoy sipping on a piping cup of popular hot chocolate mixes now and then, there's one ingredient to thank for many of the world's most commonly loved desserts. That would be cocoa powder, the product of cacao beans being fermented, roasted, and pressed. You've likely seen jars and bags of the stuff lining the baking section of grocery stores, but not all of them are worth reaching for. Some are higher quality than others, and it all comes down to the cocoa powder's fat percentage.
The amount of fat, which can be referred to as cocoa butter, that's found in your powder typically varies anywhere between zero to 24%. A cocoa powder's specific percentage of fat is determined by how much of it is extracted during the manufacturing process. The longer or harder the cacao nibs are pressed for, the less of that cocoa butter it will contain. Higher fat content is the key to knowing you're using high-quality cocoa powder.
Why your cocoa powder's fat percentage makes a difference
Opting for a product that contains 22 to 24% fat as opposed to regular powders that have about half the amount will have a clear effect on how your recipe turns out, whether you're using cocoa powder to enhance your coffee's flavor or upgrade your peanut butter. This can be checked by looking at the product's label; higher-quality powders should have at least one gram of fat per a five to six gram serving. The generous amount of fat will impart a deep, dark brown color when the cocoa is dry that turns into a lighter color once it's used in a dish. More notably, increased cocoa butter provides your recipe a rich, delicious chocolate taste with less bitter notes.
Fat also has a large impact on your food's texture. The less fat there is in the cocoa powder, the more starch there is. And starch is a complex carb that loves to absorb any moisture, which increases the chance of you ending up with dry, crumbly baked goods. So, for a dish that retains its moisture and has a fudgier taste, it's worth looking into a high-quality cocoa powder that's high in fat and low in starch.