Comparison between Superheated Steam and Convectional Roasting on Changes in the Phenolic Compound and Antioxidant Activity of Cocoa Beans

Abstract

Cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao) are rich in phenolic compounds which show antioxidant properties. Roasting is one of the most important unit operations in the cocoa base industries which reduces the antioxidant activity. Cocoa beans were subjected to roast at 150, 200 and 250°C for 10 − 50 min using conventional and superheated steam methods on changes in the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties. The total phenols and total flavonoid were significantly (p < 0.05) higher using superheated steam than conventional roasting method. The cocoa beans treated by conventional method showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower the free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties than superheated steam roasting method.