In October 2005 I wrote a request asking about the advantages/disadvantages
of sealing chocolate in a Foodsaver; i.e., either putting them in a mason
jar or alternatively in their bags.



Alex Rast answered me:



The material of choice of high-end manufacturers is foil, which forms

a good seal and doesn't out-gas. In fact, the very best

manufacturers often use foiled paper, because the paper makes for a useful

thermal and shock barrier. At home, you can achieve the same result with

good, heavy aluminium foil (shiny side out) as an external layer and

either parchment (good) or *unscented* toilet paper (best) as an internal
layer.

This is virtually bomb-proof, although you also do need to be sure to

store it in a good, temperature-and-humidity controlled environment for
best

results. In other words, the packaging can't save it if it was in a 90F,

steam-filled room for hours.





Here are my choices for storage:

Wrap in aluminum foil in a cool place

(55-72º ) with a LOT OF HUMIDITY, (I have no toilet paper that I would vouch
would have -0- scent and would not take the chance) vs. a mason jar that
would be vacuumed, vs. a mason jar not vacuumed, vs. plastic vacuumed
Foodsaver bags.



Some of the small blocks of chocolate that I have saved in mason jars and
have not vacuumed have ever-so-slight bloom and they have been in a dry room
between 68-76º.



All of the small blocks of chocolate that I have saved in their plastic
wrapping that have been in a dry room between 68-76º do not have bloom on
them; however, I don't want to store chocolate in a plastic wrap, period.



I wish to move this chocolate out of the warmer dry area into the cooler
area where heating/cooling is not consistent, but usually is between 55º &
62º, sometimes going to 72º. It's not like I have a fortune in chocolate,
but I do want to preserve it over the winter while I'm using it.



I don't see that vacuuming the chocolate is any problem, but I am
wondering - does it have to breathe or whatever else might be a problem. If
I vacuum it, what is the worse that can happen; any speculation? or solid
advice? re my choices.



Thanks so much.

Dee