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Here’s a recent tidbit I found on the Scharffenberger FAQ page that asks that very question:

Q: Does your chocolate spoil?

A: Eventually every food product will go past its prime. Dark chocolate, however, is one of the longest lasting and most stable foods you can buy. Our dark chocolate has a shelf life of approximately 18 months. If held properly, chocolate can last for years. That being said, many people wrongly identify the phenomenon of fat or sugar “bloom” as “spoiled” chocolate.

The best way to store a chocolate bar is in a cool, dry environment where it will not come in contact with heat or moisture. There is usually no need to refrigerate dark chocolate that you will use within 8 months to a year of purchase. If you live in a very hot or humid area and must refrigerate your chocolate, we suggest wrapping it tightly in an extra layer of plastic wrap to help protect the aroma and flavor. Always allow the refrigerated chocolate to warm to room temperature before eating. We suggest that you never freeze chocolate.

So what about that stuff that looks like mold? That white or grayish tint on it when it’s old?

Q: Why does chocolate sometimes get a white or gray sheen on it?

A: There are two possibilities for this: 1) the cocoa butter has “bloomed” because the chocolate got warm enough for the cocoa butter’s crystalline bonds to break and re-form in a “sloppy” pattern (”fat bloom”); or 2) condensation of water on the chocolate’s surface has caused “sugar bloom”. Neither type of bloom damages the chocolate for cooking purposes, but both make the chocolate grainy for eating out-of-hand.

I attended the Utah Chocolate Show last weekend as planned, and had a great time visiting with some of those who had booths at the show. I purchased several things, one of which was Hot Chocolate from HC Hot Cocoa.

I purchased one of each of their products: HC Hot Cocoa Immunity, and HC Hot Cocoa Energy.

The HC Hot Cocoa Immunity has a unique blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help strengthen the immune system. It can be used as a preventave messure against colds, or enjoyed after you’ve already got the cold to get you back on your feet. It includes Vitamin C, L-Glutamine (used by white blood cells), Vitamin E (antioxident), Great Tea Extract (antioxident), Vitamin B6 (red blood cells), Zinc, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12.

The HC Hot Cocoa Energy has an exclusive blend of minerals that provide a surge of energy and sustained endurance. It’s perfect for anyone who participates in any winter activities. (The folks in the booth kept on asking me if I snowboard - “why yes I do” I said.) Its ingredients include Magnesium, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Grape seed extract, Chromium, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B1. All these elements help turn fat into energy, metabolize sugars to create energy or are antioxidants that provide an easy recovery from exercise.

But most of all the product tastes really good! Very creamy, light chocolate flavor.

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