What is the best way to store chocolate?
Store chocolate at a moderate temperature, not too cold and not too hot. Although cocoa beans often come from tropical areas, chocolate itself does not thrive in extreme temperatures. It is important to find a balance. Chocolate is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and is best stored in a dry, cool place with a temperature between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius.
So choose a suitable, dark place to store your chocolate, such as a kitchen cupboard, pantry or a non-humid cellar. This minimizes the chance of major temperature fluctuations. Although the average room temperature is probably slightly higher than 20 degrees Celsius, there is no need to worry yet.
Villa Chocola chocolates have a shelf life of 6-8 weeks after purchase.
What should you know if your chocolate has turned white?
Chocolate has turned white: This no longer looks so tasty. But what do you do with it? Well, you don't have to throw it away. This phenomenon is also called “bloom”. The white haze may be caused by crystals that are formed on the surface by the melting and re-solidification of cocoa butter. The sugar in chocolate can also cause this white haze.
Pure, Milk or White?
White chocolate is not actually chocolate.
That's right, white chocolate is not technically considered real chocolate because it does not contain cocoa solids, such as cocoa powder. Instead, white chocolate consists mainly of cocoa butter, sugar, milk and flavorings. The lack of cocoa powder gives it its characteristic white color and a sweet, creamy taste.
Milk chocolate typically contains between 20-40% cocoa, while dark chocolate requires a minimum of 34% cocoa but can range as high as 98% cocoa. Dark chocolate has a deeper and richer chocolate flavor, but can have an intense bitterness for some. Indeed, it is a treat that you can slowly melt in the mouth to fully appreciate its complex flavors, and it is especially loved by people who love the intense taste of dark chocolate.
