Christmas is a season of celebration and we all know that the extra calories don't count when they're delivered by Santa (or so we like to tell ourselves).

This time of year we all like to over indugle in the consumption of lots of extra chocolate, with kids and adults tempted to tuck in.

Whether it's unwrapping a sweet treat from your stocking or sharing a box of favourites with family and friends, it's the ideal way to savour the seasonal flavour.

But as we get ready to start hoarding chocolate Santas and boxes of chocolates, do we really know if we are storing them correctly? According to the experts at Wheeldon Brothers, we're not.

Proper storage can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining the flavour and texture of our chocolate treats, and can even help to enhance the flavour.

The food experts have shared some little-known tips to help you store chocolate like a true connoisseur, ensuring each bite remains as delicious as the first.

Keep them cool, but not too cool

The key to perfect chocolate storage is temperature and environment. Experts advise storing chocolate in a cool, dark place rather than the fridge, where fluctuating moisture and cold can compromise its quality.

The ideal temperature lies between 18°C and 21°C - cool enough to prevent melting but warm enough to allow the delicate, aromatic cocoa notes to shine.

The experts said: "Higher temperatures allow the chocolate's aromas to become more pronounced," meaning that when stored correctly, your favourite chocolate can taste even better."

Store your chocolate separately

The experts also advise that we avoid placing chocolate near heat sources or strong-smelling foods.

Excessive heat can cause chocolate to bloom, developing an unappetising white surface, while strong odours from items like spices, garlic, or cheese can seep into the chocolate, disrupting its subtle flavour profile.

Wrap it up

For opened chocolate, preservation is all about limiting its exposure to air and moisture.

Wrapping it tightly in foil or resealable packaging helps retain the silky texture and rich taste by keeping oxygen out.