The invention relates to a method of separating cocoa mass into cocoa butter and cocoa cake by means of a press (1) comprising one or more pressing elements (6) in turn comprising a pot (7) having a cavity (8) for receiving cocoa mass to be pressed, a squeezer (9) located at least partially in the cavity (8), and at least one filter (11) disposed in front of the squeezer (9) and/or on the side of the cavity (8) opposite the squeezer (9), which method comprises the steps of filling the cavity or cavities (8) with cocoa mass, exerting pressure on the pressing element(s) (6) thus pressing cocoa butter through the filter(s) (11), releasing pressure from the pressing element(s) (6), and opening the pot(s) (7) to remove the cocoa cake(s) from the cavity or cavities (8). Prior to releasing the pressure from the pressing element(s) (6), cocoa butter is purged from at least the space(s) (13) behind the filter(s) (11).
