How to Store Your TЁRT KAKAO Chocolate Products

Premium bean-to-bar chocolate requires proper care to preserve its complex flavors and maintain its perfect texture. Follow these guidelines to ensure your TЁRT chocolate maintains its exceptional quality.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Temperature

Ideal range: 12-16°C

• Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources
• Avoid refrigeration – cold temperatures can cause sugar bloom and condensation
• Never freeze chocolate, as it damages the crystalline structure
• Keep away from radiators, ovens, windows, and direct sunlight

Humidity

Ideal range: 50-60% relative humidity

• Moisture is chocolate's enemy – always store it in a dry environment
• High humidity can cause sugar bloom (white, grainy surface)
• If you must refrigerate (in very hot climates), wrap tightly and allow to come to room temperature before unwrapping

Light & Air

• Store in a dark place to prevent fat bloom
• Keep chocolate in airtight containers once opened
• Chocolate easily absorbs surrounding odors – store away from strong-smelling foods like coffee, spices, etc.

Packaging Guidelines

Unopened Products

• Keep products in their original, sealed packaging until use
• Store in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard.
• Refer to the best-before date to ensure optimal quality

After Opening

• Wrap tightly in food-safe film or aluminum foil
• Place in an airtight container or resealable bag
  
• Label with opening date to track freshness

Shelf Life

Product Type	Shelf Life
Bean-to-bar chocolate bars	12 months or more
100% cacao masses	12 months or more
Chocolate spreads	12 months
TЁRT FLUFFY chocolate flakes	12 months

Note: These are guidelines for optimal quality. Properly stored chocolate remains safe to consume beyond these dates, though flavor complexity may diminish.

Understanding Chocolate Bloom

Fat Bloom (Cocoa Butter Bloom)

• Appears as a white or grayish coating on the surface
• Caused by temperature fluctuations that cause cocoa butter to separate and re-crystallize
• Safe to eat – does not affect taste, only appearance
• Can be melted and re-tempered for cooking

Sugar Bloom

• Appears as a rough, grainy white surface
• Caused by moisture dissolving sugar, which then re-crystallizes on the surface
• Safe to eat, but may have a slightly grainy texture
  

Travel & Transport

• We care about ensuring that your order arrives in perfect condition. Therefore, we kindly ask you to collect your parcel from the parcel locker as soon as possible after receiving the delivery notification.
  
• Avoid leaving chocolate in hot cars or rooms
  
• Allow the chocolate to gradually return to room temperature before unwrapping

Special Considerations for 100% Cacao Products

Our pure cacao mass is naturally stable because it contains no added ingredients:

• It offers a longer shelf life compared to sweetened chocolates
• It is well-suited for extended pantry storage.

Quick Reference Guide

✓ DO:

• Store at 12-16°C in a dry, dark place
• Keep in airtight containers after opening
• Wrap tightly to prevent odor absorption
• Allow refrigerated chocolate to warm gradually before unwrapping
• Pick up your parcel right away after receiving the delivery note

✗ DON'T:

• Do not refrigerate unless there’s no alternative; temperatures under 12 °C should be avoided.
• Exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources
• Store near strong-smelling foods
• Allow temperature fluctuations
• Leave unwrapped after opening

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Questions about storing your chocolate? Contact us – we're here to help you enjoy the perfect chocolate experience.