Once melted chocolate shapes have set, you can store them by breaking them into pieces. This applies to different types of melted chocolate, including compound, stabilized, and tempered couverture chocolate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Melted Chocolate Shapes:
Here’s how to store your hardened chocolate shapes:
- Allow the Chocolate to Set: Ensure the melted chocolate has fully hardened and set into the desired shapes. This is crucial before attempting to store them.
- Break into Pieces: Once set, carefully break the chocolate shapes into smaller pieces. This makes them easier to store and manage. As demonstrated in the referenced video, breaking the chocolate up into smaller pieces will work once the chocolate has set.
- You can use your hands or a clean knife to break the shapes, depending on their size and the desired result.
Types of Chocolate for Storage
- Compound Chocolate: This type of chocolate does not require tempering and is suitable for various applications.
- Stabilized Chocolate: This chocolate has been treated to make it more stable and prevent blooming (whitening).
- Tempered Couverture Chocolate: This type requires tempering and can also be stored similarly after setting.
Additional Storage Tips:
- Store the broken chocolate pieces in an airtight container.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent melting or blooming.
- Avoid storing them in the refrigerator unless necessary, as this can cause moisture to condense on the surface, leading to a dull appearance.
- If you are storing different colors or flavors, keep them separately to avoid any color or flavor transfer.
By following these steps, you can effectively store your melted chocolate shapes for future use.