Brilio.net - Chocolate can not only be consumed directly, but can also be mixed with various foods and drinks because of its distinctive taste. It is no wonder that many people like to store chocolate as a stock of snacks or even a mixture of various foods such as cakes.
If you are one of those people who like to store chocolate as stock, it is important to know the right way to store it. Until now, many people still store chocolate in the refrigerator because it is considered to be more durable. The reason is, the cold temperature of the refrigerator will keep the texture and taste of the chocolate intact.
In fact, as reported by BrilioFood from mirror.co.uk on Monday (21/10), Joshua Houston, a food storage expert at Household Quotes, gave a different view on how to store chocolate. He firmly stated that storing chocolate in the refrigerator is not a good idea. The reason is very clear, namely chocolate can absorb the aroma of other foods in the refrigerator which can ruin the taste.
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Houston further explained that cold temperatures can also make chocolate tasteless. This certainly reduces the pleasure and satisfaction that is usually felt when consuming chocolate. In addition, he also highlighted the problem of discoloration in chocolate stored in the refrigerator. Humidity in the refrigerator can cause "sugar bloom", a condition where sugar rises to the surface of the chocolate and changes its appearance.
"Storing chocolate in the fridge is bad for a number of reasons. Firstly, chocolate can easily absorb flavours from other foods stored in the fridge," Houston explained on mirror.co.uk.
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He also added that cold temperatures can make chocolate lose its original flavor, reducing its enjoyment. Another problem that Houston revealed was the discoloration of chocolate caused by humidity in the refrigerator. This phenomenon makes chocolate look less attractive and the taste changes slightly, although it is still safe to consume.
"Discoloration is another big issue, this happens when moisture in the fridge causes 'sugar bloom', which is where sugar rises to the surface," he explained further.
Some people may think that storing chocolate in the refrigerator can prevent it from spoiling. However, chocolate actually has a fairly good shelf life. According to a report on the express.co.uk page, milk chocolate can last for 10 to 12 months, while dark chocolate can last up to 2 years. This shows that storing at the right room temperature is enough to maintain the quality of chocolate.
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Houston further provides better storage tips for chocolate, namely by storing it in a dry cupboard. Also, make sure the cupboard is protected from direct light. With the right temperature, chocolate can remain delicious without the risk of melting or changing color.
"It's best to store chocolate in the cupboard while it's dry, as humidity can affect the flavor over time. The ideal temperature for chocolate is between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius, as higher temperatures can cause the chocolate to melt," he advises.
Once the chocolate has been opened, Houston suggests wrapping it tightly in an airtight container. Basically, an airtight container will protect the chocolate from moisture and unpleasant odors from the outside that can ruin its taste. In addition to being stored in an airtight container, it is also important to keep the chocolate away from direct light. In addition to causing "sugar bloom", keeping chocolate away from sunlight can also keep it from melting and changing shape.
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Of course, ultimately, how you store your chocolate comes down to personal preference and experience. Some people prefer their chocolate chilled rather than at room temperature. However, make sure the chocolate is properly wrapped once opened to maintain its flavor.
In a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry uploaded to pubs.acs.org, it was found that storing chocolate at the right room temperature can maintain the sensory and chemical qualities of chocolate better than storing it in the refrigerator. This study shows that stable temperature and humidity are key to maintaining the taste and texture of chocolate.
By understanding the correct storage method, you can enjoy chocolate with the best taste and quality. So, before you decide to store chocolate in the refrigerator, consider the side effects that can occur. The tips shared by the experts above can help you enjoy chocolate with optimal taste every time.