Chocolate Bloom
Things make me happy when they bloom. Everything except chocolate, that is. What is chocolate bloom and how do we stop it from happening?
What is chocolate bloom?
Ever notice a white, tan or grayish surface on chocolate and wonder what it is? That is bloom and can look like dots, streaks or haze. Does it mean the chocolate is not any good any more? Let’s take a look at the two different types of chocolate bloom and find out.
Chocolate Bloom From Moisture
If chocolate is exposed to moisture, it brings sugar to the surface of the chocolate because sugar and water are good friends and like to be together. As the moisture evaporates, the sugar crystals remain on the surface. This is why sugar bloom is referred to as “chocolate sweat.” Try to keep chocolate stored in an area of low humidity when possible. If stored in a location like a fridge or freezer where moisture is present, wrap the chocolate in a towel and allow it to slowly come back to room temperature to lessen the chance of sugar bloom.
Chocolate Bloom From Heat
If you let chocolate get too warm for too long, the fat (or cocoa butter) separates out from the chocolate and produces fat bloom. Keep chocolate at a stable, cool temperature to keep its pretty appearance.
How To Tell The Difference
Most people have probably seen fat bloom with packages of chocolate chips that sat in a cupboard and got exposed to excessive heat. The heat gets to the package and when you open it up the chips are discolored. If you rub your fingers across the bloomed area, the fat bloom is smooth to the touch and should rub off easily. Sugar bloom will be more grainy.
Is The Chocolate Good To Eat?
Both types of bloom do not cause any harm to the chocolate and will not affect the taste. Chocolate with sugar bloom may be a little more grainy than usual on the outside and will taste fine, even though the sugar is not where it is supposed to be. Chocolate with bloom may not look as pretty, but it is still good to eat.
Learning all this stuff has made me hungry – for chocolate! Check out the current selection at Drexelius Chocolates and enjoy some wonderful chocolate today.
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