tranch > wrote:

> it apart and took some home. We still have quite a bit left. I've vacuumed
> sealed what was left with my Food Saver in gallon bags. Can I store it in
> the basement where it's cool or should I put it in the freezer? What is the
> best way to store this and how long can I keep it?

Yes, in the basement will probably be fine. Ideal temperature range
is 55 to 65 F, but as long as it's under 75 F you should be OK.
Alex Rast always said to avoid plastic, but I've never found that
to be a big problem. The bulk chocolate my wife buys for her shop
is shipped wrapped in plastic, not sealed, just loose wrapped inside
the cardboard box.

You want to avoid temperature extremes and too much humidity.
50% humidity is "ideal" but anything under 60% is fine. The sealed
plastic should avoid that problem anyway. Chocolate should be
fine for 6 months to a year in good conditions.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.