Quality variables for technological application of cocoa clones from the Brazilian semiarid region

ABSTRACT Characterization of cocoa clones produced in the semiarid region is necessary to enlarge the database about these implanted clones and thus enhance the quality of their by-products. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate physical, chemical, and physicochemical characteristics of the CCN 51, CEPEC 2004, CEPEC 2005, and PS 1319 clones, produced in the region of Vale do Jaguaribe in the state of Ceará (Brazil), and to suggest food processes or products for them. The clones were evaluated according to their physical traits (total fruit mass, rind, pulp, seeds, and placenta and pulp with seeds), fruit transverse diameter (FTD), fruit longitudinal diameter (FLD), the ratio FTD/FLD; rind external thickness (ERT), rind internal thickness (IRT), the ratio ERT/IRT, number of seeds, seed thickness, seed transverse diameter (STD), seed longitudinal diameter (SLD), and the ratio STD/SLD, yield, pulp color, chemical traits (humidity, lipids, proteins, ashes, crude fiber, and carbohydrates), and physicochemical traits (titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, and reducing sugars) were evaluated. The CCN 51 and CEPEC 2005 clones are the most suitable for the process of cocoa fermentation. For desserts, jams, pulp, and nibs for fat-restricted diets, the most suitable clones are CCN 51, CEPEC 2005, PS 1319 and CEPEC 2004, respectively.