Which statement describes the operation of separating cocoa powder from the cocoa butter in chocolate liquor?

• A. Roast the beans
• B. With a powerful hydraulic press
• C. Grind the nibs
• D. Mix sugar and cocoa

Answer: (B)

Separating the cocoa powder from the cocoa butter is done by pressing the cocoa liquor to extract the fat. Cocoa liquor is a mixture of cocoa solids and cocoa butter, and a powerful hydraulic press forces the liquid fat out, leaving a solid cocoa cake that can be ground into cocoa powder. This mechanical squeezing is what creates the distinct fat component and the solid remainder, whereas roasting, grinding nibs, or mixing with sugar are steps that prepare or flavor the mass rather than separate the fat from the solids.