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Understanding This Natural Quirk of Chocolate If you've ever opened a bar of chocolate only to find a whitish, dusty coating on its surface, you may have wondered: Is it still good? Has it gone bad? What happened to my beautiful chocolate? Fear not! What you’re seeing is called chocolate bloom—a harmless, natural occurrence that doesn’t mean your chocolate has spoiled. In fact, it can happen to even the finest gourmet chocolate. Here’s what you need to know. What Is Chocolate Bloom? Chocolate bloom comes in two main types: 1. Fat Bloom This occurs when the cocoa butter (the natural...

The good news is that cocoa powder generally has a long shelf life, thanks to its low moisture content and the natural antioxidants found in cocoa beans. Unopened cocoa powder can last for up to 2-3 years when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. However, once you open the container, the clock starts ticking.Once opened, cocoa powder can still maintain its quality for a considerable amount of time, typically around 1 year or even longer if stored correctly. However, over time, its flavor and aroma may gradually deteriorate, and it may lose some...

Chocolate, with its rich flavor and indulgent texture, is a beloved treat enjoyed by millions worldwide. However, like many commodities, the price of chocolate can fluctuate due to various factors such as changes in cocoa bean prices, production costs, and market demand. When faced with a chocolate price increase, it's natural to feel concerned about the impact on your budget. However, here's why you shouldn't let a price hike deter you from enjoying your favorite sweet treat. Understanding the Factors Behind Price Increases: Before delving into why your consumption habits shouldn't change, it's essential to understand why chocolate prices have...

Headlines continue to reiterate the current global supply shortfall and moreover, the ongoing seasonal intense Harmattan winds in West Africa are exacerbating the bullish prices situation. Since the start of the 2023/24 season, arrivals at Ivorian ports are estimated to be down by 34% year-on-year to 1.051 million tonnes as at 4 February 2024. In Ghana, graded and sealed cocoa purchases were down year-on-year by 35% to 351,000 tonnes. For the month under review, the nearby contract i.e., MAR-24 price in London and New York averaged US$4,540 per tonne and US$4382 per tonne, respectively. Compared to the nominal average price...

The world of chocolate is a realm of rich flavors, velvety textures, and delightful indulgence. But amidst the variety, there's one type of chocolate that often sparks a debate: white chocolate. Is it a true member of the chocolate family, or is it merely a pretender, a pseudo-chocolate? Join us as we unravel the mysteries surrounding white chocolate and discover its true identity.  Defining White Chocolate: Before diving into the debate, let's clarify what white chocolate actually is. White chocolate is crafted from cocoa butter, milk solids, and sugar, giving it its signature ivory hue. Unlike traditional chocolate, which contains...