254 CACAO 



the mixture of foreign substances could be disallowed, 

 and the planter would in consequence reap a decided 

 benefit from the greater demand. 



If the local operator desires to make a cacao powder, 

 he has to express a large proportion of the fat, which can 

 readily be done in any common press with a little mani- 

 pulation. Some years since the writer adapted a small 

 cigar press for the purpose, which was seen by the author 

 of " The Food of the Gods," and mentioned in his book, 

 page 105. The cacao paste must be handled in a high 

 temperature so that all the fat is in a melted state, and 

 the apparatus must also be kept well warm. This can, 

 in Trinidad, be effected by working in the sun, but in a 

 temperate climate artificial heat is required and is employed 

 in all the factories The paste is put between thin layers 

 of cloth, neatly folded so as to prevent escape, and then 

 placed layer upon layer in a strong press box worked either 

 by simple screw or by hydraulic pressure. Sufficient of 

 the fat can in this way be extracted to render the layers 

 of paste dry, and formed into solid thin cakes. If these 

 are now taken and rubbed through a fine sieve, a cacao 

 powder will be produced (provided the beans are high class) 

 in flavour quite equal to the finest brands upon the market, 

 and unadulterated and pure. Sugar can always be added 

 by the consumer, and no starch is necessary to make the 

 article into palatable form, but starchy material may be 

 added if it is desired to thicken the drinkable form. 



Chocolate and cacao powder, pure and unadulterated, 

 may well be called " the Food of the Gods," owing to 

 the delicious flavour and exquisite aroma which they 

 exhibit ; but the lower qualities commonly sold and largely 

 advertised are certainly not to be commended for public 

 use. Even in the place where the bean is grown there 

 are not wanting persons who will purchase the passi, or 

 waste, of the drying floors and make it up for sale by 

 itinerant vendors. Such material is often bought by 

 visitors to the colony, who, in consequence, adopt ideas 

 of quality which are contrary to the actual fact, and damage 



