Chocolate – what size foil squares to wrap chocolate truffles

chocolatechocolate-truffles

So much leftover chocolate truffle base that I better package nicely and get out of the house:

Is there some ratio or rule of thumb to spare me from experimenting on the right size and shape of bon bon to fit either a 3, 4 or 6" square foil?
Closest answer I find is from foil ordering site stating 3" is for small, 4" medium size candy etc. Whatever that may mean.

Cube, ball or flat-bottomed egg are all fine by me; typically my portioning is not more than an inch thick.

Sorry if this post is more geometry than cooking but appearances count too

Best Answer

Some basic math, assuming spherical candy and the type of foil that fits snugly w.o. twisting the ends (like thin aluminum foil):

  • 3" foil -> covers 0.95" candy w.o. overlap -> aim for scant 3/4" balls
  • 4" foil -> covers 1.27" candy w.o. overlap -> aim for 1" balls
  • 6" foil -> covers 1.91" candy w.o. overlap -> aim for 1.5" balls

I figured 3.14 for Pi would be precise enough, and the formula is:

circumference = diameter * Pi

For cubic candy:

circumference = 4 * side

For other blocks (or close enough, e.g. egg-shaped):

circumference 1 = 2* (height + lenght)
circumference 2 = 2* (height + width) -> use the bigger value for square foil

Of course, you'll want to have a foil slightly larger that the circumference, as you need some overlap - just add 1/4" - 1/2", depending on how precise you wrap.

  • If you are using the plasticy type of stiff foil that is to be twisted, add at least 1-2" per twist, up to 3" for a more "flashy" effect.