The 'Broma process' is a method used to remove
cocoa butter from
cacao beans. In about
1865 Domingo Ghirardelli discovered that by hanging a bag of ground cacao beans in a warm room, the cocoa butter would drip off, leaving behind a residue that can then be converted into ground
cocoa. This technique is now a common method for the production of cocoa and
chocolate in the
United States.
More cocoa butter is extracted by using the Broma process than using a
hydraulic press, making it easier to dissolve into liquids. Broma process cocoa also has a more intense taste than
Dutch process cocoa, as no
alkalis are added to the cocoa.
Source: http://www.ghirardelli.com/about/history.aspx