Summer is here with exceedingly bright, sunny, and dare we mention, hot days! Don’t get us wrong, we welcome the sizzle and excitement of summertime. So, as a chocolate company whose biggest threat is heat, we are sharing some really helpful tips to fight chocolate’s natural enemy: high temperatures.

For gourmet chocolate, getting that perfect snap and luxurious sheen in a bar is a meticulous process that actually begins with melting and cooling the chocolate, known as tempering. This is the chocolate’s time to shine, literally. Though, once the chocolate becomes vulnerable, it melts, it blooms, and it loses its texture. With a few smart guidelines from us here at chuao, you can ensure that your chocolate stays in a perfect condition all summer long, or until it has been devoured, whichever comes first.

Here is the definitive guide for storing chocolate during summertime, whether you are at home, in the car, out and about at the beach, or on the trail.

 

Storing chocolate at home 

When it comes to storing chocolate during the sweltering summer months, the primary goal is to keep it cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Here’s how we can achieve this:

1. Find a cool spot

   Ideally, most chocolate should be stored between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). A pantry, cupboard, or secret chocolate drawer away from heat sources is your best bet. You’ll want to avoid leaving chocolate near windows or areas with fluctuating temps as well.
   
   

2. Airtight containers for the win

   Chocolate is hygroscopic, which means it loves to suck up moisture and odors from its environment. With an airtight container, you are protecting the goods from humidity and scents, preserving flavor and texture.
   
   

3. Consider refrigeration, but with caution

   You may think that chilling your chocolate in the fridge is a no-brainer for combatting heat. However, sudden temperature changes can elicit “blooming,” or a white, powdery coating (which is not at all harmful). To avoid blooming, just wrap your chocolate tight in plastic, seal in a container, and when you are ready to enjoy, allow the chocolate to rise back to room temperature while wrapped to prevent condensation.
   
   

4. Avoid freezing altogether

   Freezing chocolate can actually affect the texture and cause condensation when thawed, as we mentioned previously. We recommend cool temperatures over freezing temperatures, unless frozen chocolate is your thing.

Storing chocolate in the car

This can be a particularly challenging situation, as cars can quickly become ovens under the sun. Just a little bit of planning and forethought can make your chocolates last. With heat soaring beyond what is safe, here are some ways to manage.

1. Use insulated bags or coolers

   If you know that your chocolate will at some point have to make a car trip, grab an insulated cooler or bag with ice/ice packs to take with you.
   
   

2. Park in the shade

   Whenever possible, use shade to your advantage to minimize heat buildup. Perhaps even using the center console of your vehicle for extra heat shielding.
   
   

3. Limit exposure time

   Try to limit the amount of time your chocolate spends in the car. If you’re out running errands and stopping by chuao or the grocery store is on your list, make it your last stop before heading to a cool destination.
   
   

4. Sunshades and A/C

   Sunshades on the car windows can help reduce the internal temperature when parked, and using your vehicle's air conditioning is always best when traveling with food that easily melts.

Storing chocolate at the beach 

1. Don’t forget the cooler

   The best way to store chocolate at the beach is to save a little bit of room in the cooler for your sweet treats. For an added layer of protection, remember an umbrella. No sunscreen required.
   
   

2. Wrap it up

   Try wrapping your chocolate in aluminum foil before adding it to the cooler for an added layer of protection, then use the foil for reflective sun-tanning. just kidding.
   
   

3. Avoid direct sunlight

   When you are ready to enjoy some chocolate at the beach under the sun, it’s bound to melt quickly. Take a piece at a time from the cooler or take on this genius idea.

Storing chocolate on a hike

Packing chocolate for a hike certainly isn’t out of the ordinary; take a look at trail mix, for example. So, while you're out hitting the trails and on the move, consider these hiking hacks for your campsite cacao.

1. Use insulated containers

   Like storing chocolate in the car, use an insulated container or lunchbox with ice packs to keep it cool during your outdoor adventures. This will help maintain a stable temperature.
   
   

2. Choose the right chocolate

   This may be some fresh news to some, but did you know that dark chocolate has a higher melting point than milk chocolate? Meaning that the higher the cacao content, the longer it will take to melt. Additionally, dark chocolate adds a healthy energy boost while you’re on the go!
   
   

3. Pack smart

   Leave some room in the middle of your backpack, surrounded by other items. This will provide an additional buffer and keep your chocolate in the cool core.
   
   

4. Hydration packs

   Nowadays it seems there is a perfect pack for any outdoor adventure, and in this case, hydration packs are a great option. Usually equipped with insulated pockets, you can store chocolate on you while keeping it easily accessible and cool!

Key takeaways for storing chocolate

Storing chocolate during the summer months will require some proactive creativity, but with these tips and guidelines, you'll be able to indulge in your favorite chocolate bars no matter where you go under the sun. Remember, chocolate should be kept cool, dry, and protected from direct sunlight. using an insulated cooler or bag will make a huge impact.

At Chuao Chocolatier, we want to make sure you're able to enjoy our sweet creations in their best form. We make these gourmet chocolates with joy in mind and hope to spread that joy to you.

So, get out there and enjoy the summer with chuao!