Edible arrangement-chocolate covered strawberries...refrigerate?? PLease help!

[IvyandLace]

Okay, you can learn alot here on the DIS boards. Case in point, a few days ago I was browsing this board, and I came upon the chocolate-covered strawberries thread. Basically, I learned to NOT EVER refrigerate chocolate-covered strawberries-an interesting fact that I filed in my brain for future reference. Well, today I decided to check out the store Edible Arrangements (if you don't know anything about them, they use fruit to do arrangements...very cool and unique!) since we have a small family holiday gathering tomorrow to attend and I was looking for something special to bring for the hostess. I ended up getting a small arrangement of chocolate-covered strawberries-looks really special and yummy too!! However, on checking out, they stressed the IMPORTANCE to keep it refrigerated!

Uh, oh...my brain fired up a red alert! Didn't I just read on the DISboard the exact opposite information?? Well, I figured they deal with fruit everyday so they should know what they're talking about and put the arrangement in the frig. That was two hours ago, and I'm literally getting up and checking it every few minutes! I just noticed that the chocolate-covering is starting to "sweat"...EEK! I pulled it out of the frig and undid the cellophane covering and actually patted each delectable strawberry dry. WHEW! The strawberries themselves are VERY firm...not sure if they are frozen solid (didn't want to squeeze), but they seem very cold still. The "fill" plant is like a cabbage, and I'm not sure if it will wilt if it's not refrigerated for 12 hours. (Party is at noon tomorrow.)

So...should I continue to refrigerate as is....or take the cellophane off and refrigerate....or keep covered at room temperature...or WHAT??!! I'd hate for this beautiful arrangement to not look its best when I take it to the party tomorrow. Anyone with help??

THANKS! IVY

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

The problem with refrigerating the chocolate covered strawberries is when they are brought out - the chocolate sweats. If you can serve them on a chilled platter you might fare well at your gathering.

I know we used to get a box of Shari's Berries in my old office and they were to be kept cold. I think once they've been chilled they can't tolerate the room's temperature.

 

[IvyandLace]

*bumpity bump*

 

[barkley]

this is the kind of thing that could be well stored in a car or unheated room (in our house the garage since we don't get any pests out there).

 

[SetzKitten]

Just a quick question. We know they sweat when you refrigerate them. What happens when you don't? Does the chocolate soften? Do they spoil?

 

[sweet angel]

Any time I've ever gotten chocolate covered strawberries (and I've gotten a lot from various places), it ALWAYS says to keep them refrigerated and eat within 24 hours.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I did a quick online search and the only reason I can see to refrigerate is to preserve the berries. Strawberries are best at room temperature but only last a day or two when not refreigerated.