Chocolate bloom doesnt ruin the candy or make it unsafe to eat.
Caitlin Bensel
You find a chocolate bar hidden away in your candy drawer and you carefully unwrap it.
Now youre wondering what it is and if itstoo old to eat.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel
Making chocolate requires tempering.
Tempered chocolate will set quickly and will not show bloom streaks or spots as it sets.
Here, experts explain what causes chocolate bloom and how to prevent it.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel
Is It Safe To Eat Chocolate That Has Bloomed?
Bloom can affect the texture or mouthfeel.
you’re able to save bloomed chocolate for baking if you don’t want to eat it plain.
Don’t fear bloom, says Turoni.
What Causes Chocolate Bloom?
There are two types of bloom that can occur in a chocolate bar: fat bloom and sugar bloom.
Chocolate that has been allowed to set without proper tempering will immediately form a fat bloom.
Sugar bloom can also be because of refrigerating chocolate.
How Can You Tell The Difference?
You usually can detect fat bloom for its streaky discoloration.
Visually it can be difficult to distinguish the difference between fat bloom and sugar bloom, says Turoni.
But there is a trick to knowing the difference.
How To Fix Chocolate Bloom
Bloomed chocolate can be fixed by melting it down again.
Melting it down changes the crystallization pattern and magically makes it like new again, McDaniel says.
But sometimes when you heat up chocolate with sugar bloom, it will make the chocolate seize.
This means the chocolate changes states and usually takes on a grainy texture.
This can cause it to seize.
After melting, carefully wipe the bottom of the bowl so none of the condensation gets into the chocolate.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, moisture, and strong scents, says McDaniel.
Does Chocolate Expire?
Chocolate is not good indefinitely.
Dark chocolate lasts for up to two years stored unopened in a cool, dry, dark place.
An environment that’s between 68 F and 70 F is ideal.
Milk andwhite chocolatesare good for one year, or about six months once opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bloom is not mold.
The white film is safe to eat.
Solid chocolate bars are not likely to mold, but chocolate with filling can.
Yes, chocolate that has melted and solidified is safe to eat.
It may not be as pretty, but it’s fine to eat as is.
Michigan State University Extension.Blooming chocolate.
