How to Store Candy in the Summer: Keeping Your Sweet Treats Fresh
3 min reading time
3 min reading time
Summer brings warm weather and sunny days, but it can also pose a challenge for candy lovers. High temperatures and humidity can cause candies to melt, become sticky, or lose their freshness. To ensure your favorite treats stay in perfect condition, follow these tips for storing candy during the summer.
The first step in preserving your candy is selecting an appropriate storage spot. Opt for a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can cause candy to melt or degrade in quality. A pantry or a cupboard in a cool part of your home is ideal.
Air exposure can make candies go stale or sticky. To prevent this, store your candy in airtight containers. This keeps out moisture and humidity, preserving the candy’s texture and flavor. Mason jars, plastic containers with tight lids, or resealable plastic bags are excellent choices.
Some candies, particularly those with chocolate, can benefit from refrigeration. Chocolate-covered treats, fudge, and other melt-prone candies stay firmer when stored in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag to prevent them from absorbing odors or moisture from other foods.
If you have a large supply of candy or want to store it for an extended period, freezing can be a great option. Many candies, including chocolate bars, gummy candies, and hard candies, freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, let the candies come to room temperature gradually to avoid condensation.
High humidity can make candies sticky and unappetizing. Using silica gel packets in your candy containers can help absorb excess moisture. Ensure the packets are food-safe and placed in a way that they don’t come into direct contact with the candy.
To maintain the best flavor and texture, store different types of candy separately. Strongly flavored candies, like mints or sour candies, can transfer their flavors to milder candies if stored together. Use separate containers for different varieties to preserve their distinct tastes.
Consistent storage temperature is key to keeping candy fresh. Avoid placing candy near windows, ovens, or other heat sources. If you’re transporting candy in hot weather, use an insulated bag or cooler to maintain a steady temperature.
While many candies have a long shelf life, it’s still important to check expiration dates. Rotate your stock, consuming older candies first and storing newer ones for later. This practice helps ensure you always have fresh treats on hand.
Candies like caramels, taffy, and marshmallows can become excessively sticky in summer. Store these types in cool conditions and consider dusting them with a light coating of powdered sugar or cornstarch to help prevent sticking.
By following these storage tips, you can keep your candy collection in perfect condition throughout the summer. Whether you’re indulging in gummy bears, savoring chocolate truffles, or enjoying a piece of hard candy, proper storage ensures your treats remain as delightful as the day you bought them. Happy snacking!