Gourmet Chocolate Suppliers List

• Store fine chocolate in a cool place, approximately 60 - 65°F (17 - 18°C) but not in the refrigerator, as any moisture will alter the chocolate's appearance.
• A "bloom" will develop on chocolate that has been exposed to high temperatures. This doesn't affect the flavor or freshness, but gives the chocolate a gray cast from the cocoa butter rising to the surface and a slightly chalky texture.
• Be careful not to drop water into your chocolate unless the recipe specifies it. The water will change the consistency of the chocolate, causing it to tighten or harden.
• Don't cover melting chocolate with a lid as the steam will collect and fall as water droplets. Use a light cloth cover if needed at all.
• Use low heat when melting chocolate. Chocolate scorches easily and becomes a grainy mass unsuitable for use.
• We suggest using a microwave at 50% for short bursts of time – 20 seconds until melted. It works better than a double boiler as you are not introducing water and steam into the melting process.
• Chocolate will continue to melt even after it's removed from a heat source. Care in heating is needed as the temperature will rise well after removal from heat source.
• Unsweetened chocolate will liquefy when melted. Sweetened chocolate will hold its shape until it is stirred – so don't look for it to collapse as a sign it has melted or you take the chance it might burn.
• Do not use butter as a thinning agent. If you need a less viscous chocolate for a particular purpose, look for one with a higher cocoa butter content.
• Chocolate-flavored coating is available for home use for dipping and molding as it needs no tempering. Coating contains cocoa solids plus a vegetable oil instead of cocoa butter. The quality, consistency and flavor is not close to real chocolate, but coatings are popular because they are easier to use. Wilton or Merkens are brands of chocolate coating.
• Gourmet chocolate is very sensitive to odors. Be careful when storing near other foods. Also make sure all utensils are clean and odorless.
• When blending chocolates, such as milk chocolate with bittersweet chocolate, for best results, use the same brand as they are similarly processed. But you can use different brands if that's all you have available.

Want to become expert in chocolate making in order to create beautiful chocolate bonbons, confections and bars, check out our Professional Chocolatier Program.

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