How to store cocoa - butter, grains, powder: how much and under what conditions

Many consumers mistakenly think that cocoa can be consumed indefinitely. But this is not true at all.

Terms and conditions under which cocoa powder should be stored correctly

Typically, it is customary for manufacturers to guarantee the quality of their products for a period not exceeding 1 year. Cocoa powder in its pure form, intended for cooking, that is, without adding any impurities, can be stored for up to six months.

Cocoa powder added to products that have preservatives (as part of an instant drink) can be consumed much longer. In metal containers, the quality of the product is preserved for up to 1 year, and in glass or cardboard containers from six months to a year.

Consumers of cocoa powder should carefully re-read the storage conditions indicated on the packaging. Properly store the product:

• in a dark place where the humidity level is normal (no more than 75%);
• at temperatures from +18°C to +22°C;
• in a pantry or cabinet that can be ventilated periodically.

Cocoa powder is capable of absorbing third-party aromas, so you need to provide it with the “right neighborhood”. Do not use a refrigerator or freezer to store the product.The cold will cause the cocoa powder to become lumpy and shorten its shelf life.

Rules for storing cocoa beans

The storage conditions for cocoa beans are the same as for powder. A refrigerator is also not suitable for storing them. It is correct if the beans are packaged in glass, ceramic or metal containers that can be tightly closed with a lid. Such a container should be opened from time to time, thus ventilating its contents.

If you plan to consume cocoa beans soon, you can put them in a fabric bag, and the material must be natural.

When the product is stored under production conditions in a special warehouse, it is suitable for use for 2 years. At home, this period is much shorter - up to 9 months. Roasted grains can be stored for up to 1 year.

Storing cocoa butter

Cocoa butter should be stored in the refrigerator or in a place where it is always cool and dark (at a temperature no higher than +20°C). The container for storing the product must be hermetically sealed.

You should not leave oil where it is warm and light. This will “destroy” its beneficial quality, and the taste of the oil will become bitter. If all necessary storage conditions for cocoa butter are observed, its shelf life will be 3 years.

Storing cocoa at home is very easy. The main thing is just not to forget about observing the temperature regime and not allowing an increase in air humidity.

Watch the video: Product Review. Cocoa butter, cocoa mass and cocoa beans