Let's face it, most people love chocolate and find it a comforting treat. It's a favourite with adults and children, but summer isn't the best time to break out your favourite chocolate bar.
It's hot and sunny, and your perfectly shaped bar of Cadbury's Dairy Milk or Galaxy will soon turn into a melted mess. However, it doesn't have to be like that, and with some planning, you can enjoy chocolate all year round.
We'll reveal how to store your chocolate correctly and keep it tasty even on warm days.
Why You Have To Store Chocolate Properly
Chocolate might be one of the most accessible treats, but it isn't always simple to store. It doesn't do well in hot weather but requires proper storage during the winter months. It would be best to keep the chocolate at room temperature whenever possible, with the optimum being 12-20 degrees Celsius.
While this is fine in practice, the UK summer temperatures continue to increase (Metlink), and it seems that our climate will get hotter each decade. We're already witnessing warmer summers, and our favourite snacks are suffering.
Chocolate Melts When It Gets Hot
You might not know this, but chocolate is quite a delicate food. The main ingredient, cocoa butter, melts at body temperature (around 37 degrees Celsius), which explains why chocolate is such a smooth tasting sweet to eat.
However, on a hot day, it can melt in your hand, and a wrapped bar of chocolate can quickly turn into a liquid mess that nobody can eat.
While some people enjoy eating melted chocolate, most prefer its solid form. This means that you must be careful about storing your sweet treat during summer.
The Best Way To Store Chocolate In Summer
If you want to keep your chocolate cool and solid during summer, you should consider storing it in the pantry or fridge. Cooler temperatures prevent the cocoa butter from melting, and your chocolate will retain its shape.
The Pantry Debate
In recent years, Cadbury released a statement saying that the pantry is the best place to store chocolate. While this is true, it ultimately depends on your home and how warm it is because a pantry is usually for dry foods.
The pantry is usually a separate room that keeps your food cold, but the invention of the refrigerator means some households have to make do with a general cupboard.
If you notice that your chocolate doesn't keep well in the cupboard, it's best to store it in the fridge, but pantries are always the best solution.
Let's look at how to store your chocolate bars effectively if you need to use the refrigerator.
Use A Container
If you're going to store your chocolate in the fridge, make sure to put it in a suitable container. Some people might choose clingfilm, but an airtight container will keep your chocolate fresh and ensure it retains its taste.
Place It Away From Other Foods
While an airtight container is the best choice, you can use clingfilm if you don't have any suitable Tupperware around. If you use clingfilm, it's essential to ensure the chocolate is located away from other foods.
For example, onions, garlic and other strong-tasting foods can leave a distinct odour that masks the taste of your chocolate, so it should always be separate to avoid cross-contamination.
Don't Put It In The Door
When you open the fridge door, warm air rushes in and can cause condensation to form on your food. While this is fine for most drinks, chocolate doesn't react well to moisture, and the droplets can cause the cocoa butter to melt.
Instead, store your chocolate towards the back of the fridge, where it will be cool and dry.
Chocolate Doesn't Respond Well To Cold Temperatures Either
While you might think the fridge is the best place to store your chocolate, you must be careful about how long it's in there. If you leave it in for too long, it can cause the chocolate to bloom.
Blooming occurs when cocoa butter rises to the surface, creating a white film on your chocolate. It doesn't affect the taste, but it does make the chocolate look unappealing, and some people hate eating it because of the aesthetics.
Serving Your Chocolate
So, now you know that it's best to store chocolate in the fridge so it doesn't melt - but what about when it comes to eating it? If you take the chocolate out of the refrigerator and consume it immediately, it will be hard to chew, and the temperature will impact the taste.
Just as you would with a bottle of fine red wine, you should take your chocolate out of the fridge around 30 minutes before you want to eat it. Not only will this improve the taste, but it also prevents the chocolate from blooming.
Leave it in the container (or clingfilm) and open it only when you wish to eat it. Then, you can place the remaining chocolate in the fridge and save it for later.
Which Type Of Chocolate Is Best For Storing?
Now for the big question; which chocolate type is best to store? The simple answer is that dark chocolate stores better than milk or white chocolate, but there's more to it.
Cocoa butter is more stable than other types of fat, and dark chocolate has more cocoa content, so it's ideal for pantries. However, if you're storing your chocolate in the fridge, it won't matter which type you have, as long as it's in an airtight container and you let it return to room temperature.
The Bottom Line
Chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place - and the pantry will always be the best option. However, if you don't have a pantry, you should use the fridge during summer. The best thing about being able to store chocolate is that you can bulk buy sweets and save money.
With the cost of living increasing, it's always beneficial when you can save money and enjoy your favourite treats.
So, shop from our extensive selection of confectionery and take advantage of our excellent prices today!