Does Cacao Go Bad?

Cacao is a raw seed or bean derived from the Theobroma cacao or Cacao Tree. The majority of these trees are cultivated in Indonesia, Nigeria, Ecuador, Malaysia, and other Central and South American nations. These seeds are often utilized in the production of chocolate, butter, and alcohol. Cacao is very beneficial to health since it lowers blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease.

It contains fiber, which helps the digestive system. Cacao is excellent for stress relief since it relaxes the human body. Its flavor suggests freshness, which is ideal for stress relief. It has a sweet flavor but is also acceptable for diabetic individuals.

How to Store Cacao?

We will explain you how to preserve cacao in many ways, but you must be extremely particular since cacao might expire if instructions are not followed properly.

Refrigerate it

Cacao is not the kind of seed or bean that should be kept in the refrigerator ideally, although it may be kept there in two ways;

The first is the actual product; when you acquire cacao from the market, maintain the box or packet in which the cacao is already packed intact by carefully covering and wrapping the box.

The second option is a plastic bag. If the business packaging of cacao is discarded or damaged, you may place it in a plastic bag, but it must be properly shut so that air cannot enter through and the cacao stays dry.

In Pantry

The most wise and easiest method to store cacao, which may extend its shelf life, is in a closet; it should be stored in a room or area that is dark and has a cooler that is slightly colder than room temperature.

The most essential thing is to maintain that spot or store it in a dry region. Cacao, on the other hand, may be preserved for a longer amount of time if it is dry.

Away from Sunlight

Store it in an area with slightly colder temperatures than room temperature, and there is one key factor to consider while storing cacao.

For a long period, there should be no sunshine or other lighting where you keep cacao. Furthermore, sunshine or even artificial light may cause the beans to heat up and, if in chocolate form, melt.

Can You Freeze Cacao?

Cacao is a bean or seed that may be kept but not frozen until it reaches a certain temperature. Normally, it comes in two varieties: chocolate and cacao nibs.

If it is in the shape of chocolate and is bought in big quantities, it is evident that it cannot be consumed all at once, thus the chocolate may be frozen and stored for a longer length of time.

Cacao may be kept, but it must be absolutely dry as moisture can harm cacao. If it is in the form of cacao nibs, it should not be considered frozen since it will begin to contain moisture.

How Long Does Cacao Last?

When thinking about preserving cacao, you’re probably wondering how long it can survive and how long it can stay fresh for future usage. In terms of flavor and shelf life, and how long it can last if it is in chocolate form.

Cacao in chocolate form may be refrigerated for over two years without losing its flavor. However, if we store it in the refrigerator and then consume it before putting it back in the freezer, it will not survive long.

Cacao may survive 6 to 12 months if stored in a closet or dark location with a colder temperature, and it should also be sealed. Cacao has the advantage of not affecting a person consuming it even after the expiration date has passed for at least 6 months.

How To Tell If Cacao Is Bad?

Cacao is a bean or seed that does not deteriorate rapidly, although there are certain indicators that cacao is spoiling.

• Cacao often departs, but when it does, it begins to stink, and it has a pretty awful scent that may be stated as the identification of rotten cacao.
• Texture Change: Moisture or storing cacao in a moist environment may cause cocoa to deteriorate. You can determine whether beans or seeds are rotten just by looking at them.
• Cacao has a sweet flavor, but beyond its expiration date or exposure to light, its flavor begins to change and becomes somewhat insipid. However, even if its flavor changes, it will not hurt the human body since it does not impact the internal system even after it has expired.

Sources

• MCC Or Mick
• Web Md
• Red Cacao