would you throw away baking chocolate?

[jrabbit]

that has been in the pantry for 5 years? It's Ghirardelli - no bugs, not melted ... just old.

thanks
--janis
(cleaning out the pantry today)

[Ruthla]

How does it smell? Does it smell like chocolate or does it smell bad? And how can you be certain it's been there for 5 years?

[jrabbit]

well,one pkg has a date on it, and I vaguely remember wanting it for a dessert I never made. It smells like chocolate!

[Storm Bride]

I wouldn't throw it out, but I would taste a little nibble (yes - even of baking chocolate) before I actually used it.

[jrabbit]

should I put it in the freezer til I figure out what to use it for?

[Limabean1975]

i'd toss it. with food, i take no prisoners. "when in doubt, throw it out". if only i were the same about my clothes....

nak

[cristeen]

Nope. It's most likely fine. I've used 7 yo chocolate chips... in fact I still have some (from a 25# box), and they're getting older every day. It may not melt as smoothly as it once would, so may need the addition of a Tbs or two of fat (butter/CO), but it doesn't really go "bad".

[DashsMama]

I think that if it was sealed well it should be fine. I would be most worried about the cocoa butter in it going rancid. You should be able to smell any rancid oils even above the chocolate smell, so if it still smells like chocolate, it should be OK.