Can You Grind Cocoa Beans In A Coffee Grinder? -

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Can You Grind Cocoa Beans In A Coffee Grinder? Yes, you can blend cocoa beans in a coffee grinder, however, there are a few things to take note of before you begin the grinding process.

Such as, the most convenient size at which to grind, the most ideal coffee grinder to get the job done effectively and the best texture in which you can maximize the flavour of the cocoa.

In the course of the piece, we’ll go through a couple of things to do in order to make the work super easy, and not ruin your coffee grinder. Let’s get it—

Best coffee grinders for blending cocoa beans

Below are a couple of coffee grinders that are ideal for grinding cocoa beans;

1. Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

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This is a super durable and sturdy coffee grinder that is easy to use, it has a storage capacity of up to 12 cups, which means you can grind more cocoa beans per batch, it has up to 17 grinding settings which allow you to determine the desired texture in which you want your cocoa. The stainless steel material makes it less prone to rust.

2. Krups Silent Vortex Coffee Grinder

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This is a powerful coffee grinder that can grind as much as 10 cups of coffee per minute, it also runs very silently, you don’t have to deal with the cringe-worthy grinding sound which most coffee grinders make while working. It is also very easy to operate. Very ideal to grind your cocoa beans.

3. Redmond Electric Coffee Grinder

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This coffee grinder is powerful enough to grind nuts into powder, cocoa beans should but pose a problem for the sturdy stainless steel blades.

It is equipped with a powerful motor that has multiple speed settings, you can adjust the speed accordingly, the finer you want your cocoa beans, the faster you run the coffee grinder. If this doesn’t get the job done, nothing else will.

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How to blend cocoa beans

Obtain Quality Beans

The first step is to obtain very high-quality cocoa beans, the better the cocoa beans, the better the taste of the end product. Ensure it is properly dry and no moisture remains, select the beans and make sure it’s dirt free.

Toast Beans

After you’ve sorted out the cocoa beans, the next step would be to roast or toast them in a dry pan, depending on the amount you want to grind, you may have to roast in batches.

Toast the cocoa beans for about 20 minutes until it develops a brown exterior, this process helps kill any bacteria present as well as gives it a deep flavour, and yes, a very necessary part, it also helps the husk come off easier.

Winnow and Dehusk or Peel

The cocoa beans typically have a hard exterior which is inedible, there are a couple of ways to remove the husk manually.

The first concept would be to put the toasted beans in a piece of cloth and crush them gently, afterwards, you can use a blow dryer to winnow until all the husks are out. Another option would be to peel the husk by hand one by one until you’re done, this option is a lot more tedious.

Grinding

If you crushed the cocoa beans before winnowing then your beans should now be nibs which makes them ideal to be ground in a coffee grinder or spice grinder, whichever tool or device you want to use.

If they’re still in Bean form, then you should throw them in your food processor to crush them into smaller bits so it fits better into your coffee grinder. You grind in small batches to the texture you want and store it properly for future use.

Products of cocoa beans

Below are some products and foods that can be obtained from cocoa beans, some you may be familiar with, some others not so much. There are—

Cacao nibs

These are simply broken down pieces of Cocoa beans that have been roasted and sometimes salted to make them tastier.

It has a nutty taste with hints of chocolate, they are considered a super healthy snack because they have antioxidant properties. However, these have a very high caffeine content and should be consumed moderately.

Cocoa powder

This is super popular because it can be used in various ways, it is used to make chocolate milk as well as a whole variety of chocolate-based pastries. Although in its raw form it is very bitter and tart, it is processed but much closer to the real cocoa.

Chocolate

One of the most popular snacks in the world comes in different forms, Dark Chocolate, Brown and White Chocolate (the jury is still out on if this is made from actual cocoa). Chocolate is also used to make desserts and appetizers, there is sweetened and unsweetened chocolate.

Cocoa butter

The oils gotten from a cocoa bean is what is used to make this particular product, it is used in so many ways, it can be used to cook, it is also used in a lot of beauty and healthcare products. It has a nice fragrance.

Chocolate Liqueur

This is when cocoa beans are mixed with some other ingredients ideal for alcohol and allowed to undergo fermentation to turn it into liqueur, which is then distilled and bottled appropriately.

It usually has a lower alcohol content compared to other alcoholic beverages like Vodka and Rum, and can also be used in cuisines.

Best way to store cocoa beans

Cocoa beans are best stored dried, if it isn’t properly dry, ensure you put them out in the sun to get all of the moisture out completely. Bacteria thrive in damp environments, if completely dry, stored in a tight lid container to make sure air does not flow in to make it stale.

Keep away from every form of liquid or moisture, store in a cool environment away from direct sunlight. Most importantly, away from the kids if you have one.

Difference between cocoa beans and cocoa nibs

Cocoa beans is the seed obtained from a cacao pod after harvesting and fermentation, it is then processed into other end products which are outlined above.

Cocoa nibs are the broken down pieces of cocoa beans which have been toasted, dehusked, winnowed and then slightly salted, it is usually eaten as is, as a pastime snack.

FAQS

What else can I use to blend cocoa beans?

To blend cocoa beans, you can use a blender if you own one— all you have to do is follow the first two processes stated above, which are sorting the beans and then toasting and dehusking, then throw them in your blender.

You can also use a spice grinder, and a food processor, although a spice grinder will give you a finer texture than a food processor will.

Can you grind chocolate in a coffee grinder?

You should not grind chocolate in a coffee grinder, when heat is applied to chocolate it melts, the friction between the blades of a coffee grinder causes heat to form and this heat will inevitably make the chocolate melt and clog your coffee grinder. Unless you want to be cleaning the mess for days, best to avoid it all together.

Can you put cocoa in your coffee machine?

Yes, you can, if you want your coffee to have a hint of chocolate taste then you can put a pinch or two of cocoa powder in there before brewing your coffee.

Is cocoa beans chocolate?

Cocoa beans is the raw form of chocolate, it undergoes numerous processing and is sweetened before it becomes chocolates which you find in stores. It can also be easily processed in the comfort of your home with the right tools and knowledge.

Can I eat cocoa beans?

Raw, you should not. However, after it’s roasted and the husk is removed, with optional salting, they become a tasty treat which can be consumed. As mentioned earlier, the high caffeine content should be considered, do not eat in excess if you sourced some.

Can I use a coffee grinder as a grain mill?

You should not. It can serve as a grain mill, however, in the long run, it will ruin your coffee grinder. Grains are usually milled in large batches, the motor of your coffee grinder just isn’t powerful enough to grind for extended periods at a time.

If you need to grind grains, get a grain mill, or use your blender as a last resort if you absolutely need to.