Storing Chocolate

Keep chocolate wrapped airtight or placed in an airtight container for storage. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from odorous foods like onions, garlic, cheese, fish and so forth. Under these conditions, unsweetened and semi-sweet chocolate can be stored for up to one year . . . that means you can stock up on Christmas sales!! Milk or white chocolate will store for 3 months.

Sometimes bloom develops on chocolate from heat, temperature, or moisture fluctuations. Improper tempering also causes this. Chocolate in bloom will be streaked, gray, and dull in color. This does not affect the flavor or cooking properties, and so it can still be used. However, if it is really mottled, the chocolate may taste gritty or greasy and crumble easily.





* DVO welcomes your kitchen hints and cooking or nutrition questions! Email us and we'll post your hints and Q/A's in upcoming newsletters! *