D

Chocolate field glossary

Drying

Controlled moisture reduction after fermentation that stabilizes beans and continues important chemical changes.

Post-harvest · working definition

Use the word
with precision.

Why it matters
Drying stabilizes fermented beans while allowing moisture and volatile acidity to decline without encouraging mold or smoke contamination.
Common confusion
Fast drying is not always efficient drying; a sealed surface can trap undesirable acidity inside the bean.
Practical example
Raised beds, patios and mechanical systems require different decisions about depth, turning, airflow and weather protection.
Evidence trail

Read beyond
the definition.

Peer-reviewedUnravelling cocoa drying technology

Review of drying rate, heat and mass transfer, equipment and sensory, chemical and microbiological quality.

Foods / PubMed Central
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