Summer heat can be tough on chocolate. High temperatures can cause chocolate to melt, bloom, or even go bad faster than you might expect. Here are five common mistakes people make when buying chocolate during the warmer months, and three signs that you have found a high-quality option worth enjoying.
5 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Buying chocolate that has been stored near a heat source. If the chocolate feels soft or looks even slightly melted, it has already been compromised. Repeated melting and re-solidifying changes the texture and can cause the cocoa butter to separate.
2. Choosing chocolate with a white or gray film on the surface. This is called “bloom.” It can happen when chocolate is stored in fluctuating temperatures. While bloomed chocolate is still safe to eat, the texture will be grainy and the flavor may be dull.
3. Buying in bulk without a plan to store it properly. If you cannot keep your chocolate in a cool, dark place (below 70°F is ideal), it may not survive the summer. A large bar or bag of chocolate that sits in a warm kitchen will quickly lose its quality.
4. Selecting chocolate with a long list of unfamiliar ingredients. In hot weather, some manufacturers add extra stabilizers and emulsifiers to help the chocolate hold its shape. A simple ingredient list is still the best sign of quality, even in summer.
5. Assuming expensive chocolate is always better. Price does not always equal quality, especially in summer. A moderately priced chocolate that has been stored properly and has a simple ingredient list will almost always taste better than an expensive bar that has been sitting in a warm warehouse.
3 Signs of a Quality Choice
1. The chocolate feels firm and looks smooth. When you pick it up, it should feel cool to the touch and have a glossy, even surface.
2. The ingredients list is short. Look for cocoa mass, cocoa butter, sugar, and perhaps vanilla or lecithin. That is all. Avoid chocolate with vegetable oils, palm oil, or artificial flavors.
3. It is stored in a cool environment. Whether you are buying from a store or ordering online, chocolate that has been kept away from heat and light will taste better and last longer.
How to Store Chocolate in Summer
- Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard, away from the stove, dishwasher, or direct sunlight.
- If your home is very warm, store chocolate in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation from forming on the surface.
- Do not freeze chocolate unless absolutely necessary, and only if it is well-wrapped. Freezing can cause bloom.
A Gentle Reminder
A good chocolate bar is a simple pleasure, but summer heat can turn a treat into a disappointment if you are not careful. By paying attention to how it is stored and what is in it, you can enjoy high-quality chocolate all summer long.
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