It’s a comforting snack that many of us can’t resist - but there’s a good chance you may have been eating chocolate wrong all this time, according to the experts.
Scientists have put together ten ‘commandments’ on the best way to eat chocolate, including golden rules on how to store it, what time is best to tuck in, and how many squares you should be breaking off. The research, commissioned by popular chocolate makers Galaxy, asked 2,000 lovers of the sweet snack how they enjoy it.
The study revealed that 74% of those asked chew their chocolate, while the average person eats four pieces in one sitting and 24% will eat their pieces straight after one another. But all of these popular habits may mean that you’re not getting the most out of your chocolate-eating experience, The Mirror reports .
READ MORE: Surprise as people find out what McDonald's dipping sauces are made of
Victoria Gell, from Galaxy chocolate, said: “With more than half of the UK stating chocolate is their favourite treat, we’re keen to share these tips to help create the ultimate indulgent pleasure experience. We want to help Brits understand the subtle nuances and characteristics of chocolate, while of course giving it the full respect it deserves.”
Galaxy teamed up with TV wine expert Olly Smith, who said that chocolate needs to be served at the right temperature and in small quantities to truly make the most of it. The biggest no-no for storage, the expert insisted, is storing it in the fridge - while another thing to avoid is chewing the chocolate, as letting it melt in your mouth will allow you to experience more of the flavour.
11am is apparently the optimum time for chocolate lovers to enjoy their favourite treat, while eating six pieces is the sweet spot. Here are the ‘ten commandments of how to eat chocolate’ in full:
-
Chocolate at Elevenses – Consume earlier in the day with a fresh palate for a great mid-morning caffeine boost to help power through until lunch
-
Do not store in the fridge – Store chocolate at 18 degrees to prevent oxidation, sugar bloom, and any transfer of odours
-
Let it melt, don't chew – By letting it melt you’re allowing cocoa butter to coat your mouth, allowing you to experience all flavours
-
Eat in small quantities – Eat up to six pieces of 4-gram portions to prevent overstimulation of the tastebuds
-
Use all your senses – Sight, smell, texture, and even hearing is all part of the experience
-
Make it snappy – When chocolate snaps, it means it is tempered correctly and has the right structure and quality
-
No distractions – Chocolate has so many volatiles and nuances, give it as much attention as it deserves, this will boost the overall experience
-
Unexpected pairings – Try sweet chocolate (milk or white) with bitter foods or bitter chocolate with saltier foods
-
Wait for the aftertaste – Some chocolates can leave a 45-minute aftertaste, but in most cases a 15-minute wait will suffice
-
Don't mix – Mixing different types of chocolate can overstimulate tastebuds, so avoid mixing different types (e.g. milk and dark chocolate)
Food scientist Natalie Alibrandi said: “Chocolate is a deep and complex delicacy, with many layers to be explored. Understanding the need for the chocolate to snap, both visually and aurally, brings a sensation that dances on your taste receptors and increases flavour.
“Eating chocolate earlier in the day with a fresh palate is also a key finding that many Brits will be surprised about, making it a good mid-morning snack choice to help keep us firing on all cylinders before lunch.”
READ NEXT:
