This was written by Robert Cabeca, the new owner of Biagio Fine Chocolate. (Editor’s Note: (11/2112)This business changed its name to Cocova a while back. -JAY)
Are you nervous about traveling with Chocolate?
Don’t be!
Just follow these simple guidelines and you can take your chocolate with you to most locations:
1. Pack your chocolate in a ziplock type bag and pack it in the middle of your clothes in your suitcase. If you have a moisture free ice pack, place it on top of a layer of clothing, not directly on the chocolate. This is a very effective solution for most occasions.
2. Try to keep you luggage out of direct sunlight for extended periods. If your luggage contains chocolate, avoid placing it on a roof rack (you will save gas too!)
3. Don’t leave your chocolate in your parked car for extended periods. If you must, don’t leave your chocolate in the glove compartment or trunk. Under the seat is best with a moisture free ice pack or cold bottle of water. Not soda bottles or cans because they could explode in high heat. Your chocolate will probably be doomed at that point, but cleaning up a burst soda can is worse!
4. If hiking or biking, keep the chocolate next to your water supply in your backpack in a ziplock type bag.
5. Use an insulated lunch box. There are many small ones available which can easily be adapted to the above suggestions.
6. Only take as much as chocolate with you that you are going to eat in a few hours. Leave the rest in the beach house or hotel room.
A Traveling Chocolate Story:
Two years ago I traveled to the Middle East in August (what was I thinking) and brought 20 boxes of my Robert’s Chocolates truffles with me. I followed most of the guidelines above by placing the boxes in the middle of the luggage and between clothing, but did not add any ice packs.
After a lengthy unplanned layover, I arrived at my destination and collected my bags which felt very very warm and made me nervous. While going through security, I was taken to a small room where everything was unpacked. However, I was thrilled that all of the chocolate boxes still felt cool and upon inspection the truffles were undamaged (security insisted on looking in each box). I felt relieved that my packing plans worked!
However, while in my guest room, I had left a few boxes on a dresser during the day where unknowingly the sun beamed on them for a few hours. They were cool when I retrieved them and was none the wiser. I brought them to my cousins home.
They opened the boxes after I stepped out of the room briefly. When I returned I found them devouring the truffles from the box with spoons! They had melted into the container! I was mortified! They assured me that they still tasted great and refused to let me eat any or take the box away from them. Family 🙂
Another lesson learned:
7. Keep chocolate in a cool dark location whenever possible.
If you have a chocolate traveling story you would like to share, please send it along to info@Capitalchocolate.com. We would love to read it!
As an aside, if you need moisture free ice packs, we have them available at the store in 8oz for $2.00 and 12oz for $2.50.
Have a safe and fun Holiday weekend!
Best regards,
Robert Cabeca
