Carboxypeptidase of cocoa

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel carboxypeptidase gene and the polypeptide encoded thereby. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of the present carboxypeptidase and polypeptide in the manufacture of cocoa flavor and/or chocolate.

1 . (canceled)  
     
     
         2 . A polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence coding for a carboxypeptidase and having a sequence as identified by SEQ. ID. No. 1 or functional variants thereof having a degree of homology of more than 90%.  
     
     
         3 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A method for hydrolysing proteins which comprises obtaining a polypeptide of  claim 2  and utilizing the polypeptide to hydrolyse the proteins.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the proteins are derived from food material.  
     
     
         15 - 17 . (canceled)  
     
     
         18 . A cocoa flavor produced by the method of  claim 2 .  
     
     
         19 . A composition comprising a food or beverage product and an effective amount of the cocoa flavor of  claim 2.