How to Preserve Chocolate in Summer: A Practical Guide

Summer brings sunny days, vacations and a perfect environment to relax. However, for chocolate lovers, this season also presents a significant challenge: preserving chocolate in optimal conditions.

Chocolate is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. At high temperatures, chocolate may melt, lose its shape and alter its flavor and texture. These changes can cause the chocolate to become untempered and begin to have a white coating produced by the cocoa butter itself, which, although it does not affect the flavor, can make the chocolate look less appetizing. To avoid this, store the chocolate in a place where the temperature is constant and stable.

What are the ideal conditions for storing chocolate?

The ideal conditions for storing chocolate may be somewhat specific but must be followed for proper storage. Here are some technical data for the storage of chocolate that we hope you will find useful:

But how to put these tips into practice?

Here is a handy guide with three practical ways to keep your chocolate in perfect condition during the hot months.

Store the chocolate in a cool, dry place.

Chocolate is sensitive to both heat and humidity. The ideal temperature for storing chocolate is between 15 and 20 degrees. It is essential to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A closet in a cool room can be a good option.

Keeping the chocolate in the refrigerator

If temperatures in your home are above 24 degrees, you can consider the refrigerator as an option for preserving chocolate. However, this method has its disadvantages. The refrigerator can introduce moisture, which can cause chocolate to “bloom,” a phenomenon where white spots form on the surface due to crystallization of fat or sugar.

To minimize these effects, wrap chocolate tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container. Also, make sure that the refrigerator is at a constant temperature and that the chocolate is not near foods with strong odors, as chocolate can absorb them.

When you decide to take the chocolate out of the refrigerator, it is important to allow it to acclimatize to the environment before opening it for at least 10-15 minutes. This prevents condensation, which can lead to the formation of moisture on the surface of the chocolate. Let the wrapped chocolate stand at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

To protect the chocolate from humidity and odors, store it in airtight containers such as tuppers. You can use glass, metal or plastic containers that have a good seal. This also helps prevent exposure to air, which can oxidize chocolate and affect its flavor.

Storing chocolate in a cellar

If you are an artisan or gourmet chocolate enthusiast, keep in mind that these tend to have fewer preservatives than commercial ones, so they should be handled even more carefully. In these cases, consider investing in a small wine cellar. These coolers maintain a constant temperature of 14-18 degrees which is perfect and constant for chocolate, in addition to avoiding the humidity problems of the conventional refrigerator.

Conclusion

Preserving chocolate in summer may seem like a challenge, but with these tips, you can enjoy your favorite treats without worrying about the heat. Keeping chocolate in a cool, dry place, using airtight containers and avoiding sudden changes in temperature are key practices. This will ensure that every bite of chocolate is as delicious as you expect it to be, even on the hottest days of the year.

If you want to know more about chocolate do not hesitate to visit Kina Chocolates, we are waiting for you.

Greetings chocoholics.

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