Bitter cocoa
Description
Bitter cocoa is a finely ground powder with an intense, deep chocolate color and a distinctly bitter, slightly earthy aroma, without added sugar. The flavor is intense, aromatic, and leaves a lasting, slightly astringent impression, making it an excellent base for balancing sweetness in desserts. Nutritionally, bitter cocoa provides fiber, protein, iron, and magnesium, and is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids with strong antioxidant properties that support heart health and improve mood due to theobromine and a small amount of caffeine. In the kitchen, it is used for baking, hot chocolate, smoothies, sauces, marinades, and savory rubs, as well as for balancing sweet creams and ice creams. Store in an airtight container in a dry, cool, and dark place, away from strong odors; once opened, it is best used within 6–12 months.