Chocolate stays fresh for years when stored in the best kitchen spot - and it's not the refrigerator

You might want to think twice before stashing that chocolate bar in the cooler !

Food storage expert Joshua Houston gave some cool advice: "Refrigerating your chocolate is bad for several reasons."

Houston, of Household Quotes, warned of chocolate's tendency to pick up other food flavors when refrigerated, and said: "Chocolate can easily absorb flavors from other foods in your fridge."

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He said refrigerated chocolate could lose its taste, stating: "Secondly, if you chill your sweet treats you might notice that the cold can make them tasteless. This takes away some of the enjoyment and satisfaction chocolate can bring."

The aficionado also noted moisture-related discoloration issues, explaining: "Discolouring is another big problem, this occurs when moisture in a fridge results in 'sugar bloom', which is where sugar rises to the surface."

Houston advises that chocolate's perfect home isn't the fridge but a dry cupboard, reports the Express .

Joshua said: "The ideal temperature for chocolate is between 12 to 18 degrees Celsius as any more could result in melting."

Even for those with a half-eaten bar , he insists: "Wrap it in an airtight wrapper or a container," ensuring it remains delightful to both the eyes and palate.

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The expert concluded by reminding us that while bloomed chocolate might still be safe to consume: "Also make sure to keep chocolate away from direct light, it not only causes 'sugar bloom' but melting is a factor."

Joshua, a chocolate expert, revealed that when stored properly, milk chocolate "can last for up to 12 months", while dark chocolate, which contains no milk, can stay good for "over two years". He added: "Ultimately, how you store your chocolate is up to you. Some people enjoy cold chocolate more than room temperature. Just make sure it is correctly wrapped if it is already open."