conching

upright=1.35|thumb|Conche (in the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum) thumb|Granite roller and granite base of a conche

Conching is a process used in the manufacture of chocolate whereby a surface scraping mixer and agitator, known as a conche, evenly distributes cocoa butter within chocolate and may act as a "polisher" of the particles. It also promotes flavor development through frictional heat, release of volatiles and acids, and oxidation. The name arises from the shape of the vessels initially used which resembled conch shells.