Archive for storing chocolate
How do you cut chocolate?
Posted by: | CommentsThere are several techniques for “cutting” chocolate. The first one we’ll talk about here is chopping chocolate.
To chop chocolate, it’s really helpful to have a long serrated knife. You know, the kind of thing that would make a really good bread knife? That would be a perfect tool for cutting chocolate. Or, as we usually call it, chopping chocolate.
To use a serrated knife on chocolate, you should put the block of chocolate on a heavy duty cutting board. make sure that the piece of chocolate is stable and balanced on the board. Next, start at a corner of the chocolate block. Shave diagonally so that you take off shavings and pieces. Chocolate will naturally shave off in shards, kind of like flint knapping in ancient times, only tastier!
Tags: Chocolate, Chocolate & Fudge Making, Chocolate Truffle, Dark Chocolates, Fudge, Gourmet Food, Handmade chocolate fudge, storing chocolateRelated posts
How Long Can You Keep Chocolate?
Posted by: | CommentsThe question of how long your can keep chocolate is a tricky one. It depends on several factors. The biggest question is, what kind of chocolate do you have – something very soft and moister, or something very hard? Does is contain nuts? (This will make it last less time.) Or does it perhaps contain alcohol? (THis can extend the life of your chocolate). Next, what kinds of temperatures has the chocolate been exposed to?
Another question is, does the chocolate contain preservatives or chemicals to extend the shelf life? Or is it natural? Many of the chocolates that you find in most supermarkets contain preservatives. They’re usually low quality chocolates. High quality, natural chocolates will not last as long. But, at Cocopotamus, we definitely think they’re worth it!
Tags: Artisanal Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate & Fudge Making, Chocolate Blog, Chocolate Fudge, Dark Chocolates, Fudge, Gourmet Food, Handmade chocolate fudge, storing chocolateRelated posts
How To Store Chocolate
Posted by: | CommentsOkay, back to our regular topics on learning more about chocolate.
When it comes to chocolate, the basic “do’s” and “don’ts” can make a big difference. One of the first things people wonder about is how to store chocolate. Do you put it in the fridge, or not? What about the freezer? How long can you keep chocolate?
Chocolate should generally be kept in its original wrapper and stored in that old cliche, a “cool, dark, dry place”. But what if you’ve already torn into that gourmet chocolate bar? Hmmm…in that case, we suggest putting it into a heavy quality Ziploc bag.
Should you put your chocolate in the fridge? Only if the weather where you are is notter than 70 degrees F and you don’t have the benefit of air-conditioning. When it comes to the freezer, if you store chocolate this way it should be double wrapped (triple if you count the original wrapper). And, don’t store it in a self-defrosting freezer if you can help it.
Tags: Chocolate, Chocolate & Fudge Making, Chocolate Blog, Chocolate Fudge, Dark Chocolates, Food, Gourmet Food, Handmade chocolate fudge, storing chocolate
