Unsweetened cocoa powder

Description

Unsweetened cocoa is a fine, intensely brown powder with a pronounced, slightly bitter taste featuring earthy-floral notes and a characteristic chocolate depth. Its aroma is concentrated and easily enhances the flavor of dishes, so it's worth remembering that it requires sweetening or pairing with fat for a fuller texture before use. Nutritionally, cocoa is rich in antioxidants (flavonoids), magnesium, iron, and fiber, which contribute to cardiovascular protection, mood improvement, and support metabolism. In the kitchen, it works well in cakes, cookies, drinks, smoothies, sauces, marinades, or homemade muesli and bar mixes, pairing excellently with fruits, nuts, and spices. Store it in an airtight container in a dry, cool place, away from strong odors; when properly stored, it retains quality for 12–24 months.