To restrict bacterial growth,
a solution of Nisaplin (Danisco, Denmark) containing 2.5% of pure nisin
or a mixture of nisin and lysozyme (Delvozyme, DSM, The Netherlands)
was sprayed onto the beans in one box and mixed to give uniform distribution
of nisin and lysozyme. The cocoa beans in the other box
were not treated with nisin or lysozyme but similarly mixed. The
boxes of beans were then incubated for fermentation which developed
spontaneously due to growth of the indigenous microbiota