Nibs contain ca. 55% cocoa butter, which exists in solid form within the cells. Grinding ruptures the cell walls releasing the cocoa butter, while at the same time frictional and/or applied heat raises the temperature above 34 C, the melting point of cocoa butter. The particle size of the non-fat portion is progressively reduced and a fluid mass the cocoa liquor is produced. This consists of solid particles in suspension in a continuous fatty phase.