PROVIDED ARE METHODS OF REMOVING CONTAMINANTS FROM COCOA BEANS, REDUCING FREE FATTY ACIDS IN COCOA BUTTER OF THE COCOA BEANS OR A COMBINATION THEREOF. THE METHODS ARE ACCOMPLISHED BY USE OF A PRE-WASHING SOLUTION (34) PLACED IN CONTACT WITH THE COCOA BEANS. COCOA PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY SUCH METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING SUCH METHODS ON COCA BEANS ARE ALSO DISCLOSED.