Melting Point

Summer is all about the heat. From a warm summer breeze to the stifling interior of a car left in the sun, after paying our dues in the long winter months, we’re happy to have heat! Lately we’ve been asked about how the heat affects candy and chocolate, so it seems timely to share some tips on keeping your confections at their optimum level during any weather condition summer may throw your way.

The National Confectioners Association has a lot of really fantastic tips on the life expectancy and ideal storage conditions for treats. In fact, we happen to follow a lot of the same guidelines here at The Candy Store (as well as a few tailored just to us – for instance, our candy rarely stays in the store long – a month is tops for most items!). These tips are simple and easy to apply at home:

• A good rule of thumb to keep in mind for all candy and chocolate is to store them at a temperature no higher than 70ºF (21ºC – that means storing your goodies in the car is not recommended) and with relatively low humidity
• Dark chocolate that is wrapped in foil can last up to two years, but under a year for milk or white. Consider a dark, dry cupboard for storage (preferably not above the fridge where unnoticed heat may be directed) and place in a sealed container if you’re serious about prolonging your consumption
• All chocolate has the ability to “bloom,” that is, the cocoa butter in the bar separates from the cocoa solids due to an increase in temperature – keeping your chocolate at the optimum 70ºF will protect it from blooming. It is also not recommended that chocolate be kept at colder temperatures – when brought back to room temperature the warming can cause bloom too!
• Candy such as gummies can last up to a year if unopened, but let’s be honest, we’re opening them! Count on a maximum of nine months in a cool, dry place out of direct light (office desk drawer anyone?)
• Hard candies will pick up moisture, so make sure to store them in an air-tight container and they’ll be around for a year!
• Our most important tip for keeping those sweets around just a little longer would be: don’t share the location of your stash! Just kidding, candy is better shared and we love having a dish or two around the house just for that reason!

So as we head into the hottest days of summer, consider your confectionery friends and their comfort in your cupboard – when you have a craving you’ll be glad you did!

posted by The Candy Store @ 2:54 PM