70 COCOA AND CHOCOLATE 



cannot be recommended. There is a loss of from 2 to 

 10 per cent, in weight, which is a disadvantage to the 

 planter, whilst from the manufacturer's point of view, 

 washing is objectionable because, according to Dr. 

 Paul Preuss, the aroma suffers. Whilst this may be 



WASHING THE BEANS IN A VAT TO CLEAN 

 OFF THE PULP, CEYLON. 



questioned, there is no doubt that washing renders 

 the shells more brittle and friable, and less able to bear 

 carriage and handling ; and when the shell is broken, 

 the cacao is more liable to attack by grubs and mould. 

 Therein lies the chief danger of washing. 



Claying, Colouring, and Polishing Cacao. 



Just as in Java and Ceylon, to assist drying, they 

 wash off the pulp, so in Venezuela and often in Trin- 

 idad, with the same object, they put earth or clay on 



