Utilization of Chemical Compounds in Cocoa Peel Waste as a Healthy Drink

Abstract

West Sumatra Province is one of the largest cocoa pod (Theobroma cacao L) producing areas in Indonesia. It was recorded that from 2004 to 2007 the area of cocoa plantations increased by around 33,340 ha from 13,197 ha to 46,627 ha. As long as only the seeds are used from cocoa pods, while the skin is only used as animal feed or compost and the rest is left to rot around the plantation area. Whereas cocoa skin waste contains chemical compounds that are beneficial to the body. Based on XRF analysis, it was found that the cocoa husk contained the most K and Ca elements. K is important cation in the intracellular fluid that plays a role in balance pH and osmolality and the element Ca is an essential nutrient needed for various body functions. Cocoa peel contains polysaccharides (hemicellulose 36.23％ and cellulose 1.14％) and lignin around 20-27.95％ and contains flavonoids which can act as antioxidants against free radicals. Free radicals that enter the body cause cell damage that results in the emergence of several diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and other diseases. Therefore, cocoa shell waste is very suitable to be processed into natural health drinks because of the many chemical compounds in it.