No one wants a melted mess or funny tasting favourites. These top tips will show us where we are going wrong
Christmas is a time to indulge and celebrate, and as we all know, those extra calories don’t really count when Santa brings them (at least that’s what we tell ourselves).
Eating chocolate at Christmas adds more than a little extra joy to the festive season. Whether it’s unwrapping a treat from your stocking or sharing a box of favourites with loved ones, it’s the perfect way to indulge.
But while we stockpile choccy Santas, sharing boxes with brightly coloured wrappers, posh truffles and lots of other lovelies, are we storing them as we should be? According to the experts at Wheeldon Brothers, we are not.
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Proper storage can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining the flavour and texture of our chocolate treats, and can even help to enhance the flavour.
The food experts have shared some little-known tips to help you store chocolate like a true connoisseur, ensuring each bite remains as delicious as the first.
Keep them cool, but not too cool
The key to perfect chocolate storage is temperature and environment. Experts advise storing chocolate in a cool, dark place rather than the fridge, where fluctuating moisture and cold can compromise its quality.
The ideal temperature lies between 18°C and 21°C – cool enough to prevent melting but warm enough to allow the delicate, aromatic cocoa notes to shine.
The experts said: “Higher temperatures allow the chocolate’s aromas to become more pronounced,” meaning that when stored correctly, your favourite chocolate can taste even better.”
Store your chocolate separately
The experts also advise that we avoid placing chocolate near heat sources or strong-smelling foods.
Excessive heat can cause chocolate to bloom, developing an unappetising white surface, while strong odours from items like spices, garlic, or cheese can seep into the chocolate, disrupting its subtle flavour profile.
Wrap it up
For opened chocolate, preservation is all about limiting its exposure to air and moisture.
Wrapping it tightly in foil or resealable packaging helps retain the silky texture and rich taste by keeping oxygen out.
