The husks of cocoa pods and the pulp or sweatings surrounding the beans and the cocoa bean shells can be used. Some examples of these uses are:
Animal feed from cocoa husk:
As a pelletised dry 100% cocoa pod husk, it can be used as animal feed. The animal feed is produced by first slicing the fresh cocoa husks into small flakes and then partially drying the flakes, followed by the mincing and pelleting and drying of the pellets.
Soft drinks and alcohol: In the preparation of soft drinks, fresh cocoa pulp juice (sweatings) is collected, sterilised and bottled. For the production of alcoholic drinks, such as brandy, the fresh juice is boiled, cooled and fermented with yeast and later distilled.
Jam and marmalade: Pectin for jam and marmalade is extracted from the sweatings by precipitation with alcohol, followed by distillation and recycling of the alcohol.
Cocoa butter: Cocoa butter is used in the manufacture of chocolate. It is also widely used in cosmetic products such as moisturising creams and soaps.
Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder can be used as an ingredient in almost any foodstuff. For example, it is used in chocolate-flavoured drinks, desserts such as ice cream and mousse, chocolate spreads and sauces as well as cakes and biscuits.
Chocolate: Cocoa liquor is used with other ingredients to produce chocolate and other confectionery products.
Mulch: Cocoa bean shells can be used an organic mulch and soil conditioner for the garden.
Obtained from online sources
