It can be heartbreaking to watch a beautiful artisanal chocolate bar turn into a melted puddle or develop that strange white "dust" during a heatwave. Read on for tips on how to store and savour your chocolate haul in the heat! The Science of the Melt Most high-quality chocolate has a melting point between 30C and 32C, which is just below human body temperature. While this is what makes it "melt in your mouth," it is also what makes your chocolate vulnerable to a warm kitchen or a sunny spot. What is Chocolate Bloom? Have you ever seen a white, chalky coating on your chocolate? That is called bloom. Its usually caused by temperature fluctuations that force the cocoa butter to the surface. The Good News: Its still perfectly safe to eat!The Fix: If the texture bothers you, melt it down for a summer chocolate fondue or use it in your baked treats. The "Golden Rules" of Summer Storage Chocolate is like a sponge for smells. If you put it in the fridge next to an onion or leftovers, it will absorb those flavours. When refrigerating, use an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag to lock out moisture and odours. When you're ready to eat it, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before unwrapping to prevent "sweating" or condensation. Different Ways to Savour Chocolate During a Heatwave The "Chilled Truffle" Hack: Some chocolates, especially those with ganache centres, are incredible, when slightly chilled. Try popping your JusTrufs Truffles in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving for a refreshing, firm snap. Summer Pairings: Pair your chocolates with seasonal fruits like cold strawberries or tart raspberries. The tart acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cocoa, making it feel lighter in the heat. (We recommend our Artisanal 72% Chocolate Bars) Chocolate Iced Coffee: Grate some high-quality dark chocolate over your cold brew or iced latte (Try our Artisanal 81% Dark Chocolate Bars). Because the drink is cold, the chocolate stays crunchy, providing a lovely texture contrast. Iced Hot Chocolate: Our bestseller, available for Pan-India delivery is the Hot Chocolate Mix. Rich, smooth and velvety, its perfect when blended with ice/ icecream for a float or a chilled chocolate! Shipping Tip for the Summer Months Our chocolates are shipped with care, and are additive and preservative free, as close to nature as you can get. We do recommend, however, when you're ordering a gift for someone (or yourself!), that you ensure someone is home to receive the package immediately, and refrigerate on receipt, so that it stays fresh. Want to restock your summer supply? Check out our current collections and keep these tips in mind to keep your treats in peak condition!
