Food glossary

Chocolate cake

Cocoa

This is the concentrated powder made from chocolate after the cocoa butter has been removed. It has a very bitter flavour and is usually combined with some form of sweetener in cooking.

Uses: Cocoa powder combined with sugar and milk is a popular choice to make a hot chocolate drink. Cocoa powder is also an important ingredient in baking, especially in cakes, puddings and sauces, where it is often combined with sugar.

To store: Keep in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Always use a dry spoon when measuring out cocoa to prevent the contents of the packet becoming damp.