Written By Sam Henselijn
Chocolate mint are a beloved duo that seem to go hand in hand, like peanut butter & jelly or pancakes & syrup. You can’t go wrong with chocolate mint!
It is a fact that chocolate pairs well with a lot of sweet ingredients, from peanut butter, strawberry and bananas to marshmallows and nuts.
Speaking of, anyone particularly interested in the combination of nuts and chocolate will go crazy for our Candy Cane Almonds! These three flavors create a perfect marriage. First, you’re hit with the incomparably cooling and pleasant sensation of the chocolate when mixed with the mint. Then comes the creaminess and addicting crunch of almonds to seal the deal… There’s truly nothing better.
Chocolate Mint is an ancient combo
Mint chocolate has become an iconic flavor profile. In fact, did
you know Thin Mints are the best-selling Girl Scout Cookies of all time? The combination is so well loved that National Chocolate Mint Day is celebrated each year on February 19.
But mixing these two ingredients together is nothing new – it’s been a concept for thousands of years. The Mayans and Aztecs quite literally worshipped chocolate at a time when it was considered a gift from the gods. Back then, the confection was mostly consumed by the elite during spiritual ceremonies.
Nevertheless, cacao’s bold and acidic taste wasn’t exactly the pleasurable experience it is today. Pretty soon, Europeans found out they could mix it with sugar, spices and herbs – including cinnamon and mint – to alleviate the bitterness.
Why this such a popular and combination
People just love the richness of chocolate paired with the refreshing, cool feeling of mint. It’s the perfect flavor combination. While all types of chocolate agree with mint, dark chocolate is simply ideal! The more pronounced earthy tones and slight bitterness blend incredibly well with the bright mint flavor.
Fans of the combo must try our Mint Cookie Malted Balls. Delectable mini cookie balls with a malted milk powder center are coated in dark chocolate to create an intensely flavored treat. Similarly, our Mint Cookie Bites are little bites of chocolate covered in a chocolate mint coating and you won’t be able to get enough. A perfect snack to serve at any get-together or to include in goody bags!
It’s not all the same
From peppermint to spearmint, wintergreen to mint, there are
several mint flavoring options out there. Each varying in flavor and intensity, which can definitely influence the candy making process.
Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint with a bold, spicy flavor. For being so rich and intense, it balances well with dark chocolate recipes. Due to its powerful undertones, wintergreen can be used similarly to peppermint.
On the other hand, spearmint presents sweeter notes and a more delicate flavor profile. Generally, it is a good choice for milk chocolate treats. Now, spearmint is the most subtle of all mint flavors, which is why it is often used either with milk chocolate or in creams centers.
Pure mint flavorings have a distinct cooling effect and a more subtle flavor. It’s a highly versatile option and great in baked goods, milk chocolate and ice creams.
Did you know?
One of the most popular ice cream flavors, Mint chocolate chip, was invented in 1973 by a culinary student in England.
Marilyn Ricketts entered a competition to invent an ice cream dessert for Princess Anne’s wedding. Originally, she named it Mint Royale, and got a silver cup for her efforts. But we were the real winners getting to try one of the most winning flavor combos for the first time.
Health Benefits
Even if you can ignore how delicious chocolate and mint are together, you still have to recognize the power of these singular ingredients. Both have amazing properties that may help you stay healthy and strong.
Mint is absolutely packed with a number of benefits. Menthol, the active oil in the mint, has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help soothe an upset stomach and relieve indigestion.
It has also been used in alternative medical practices for centuries. A fairly strong adaptogenic herb, mint’s strong and refreshing aroma could alleviate headaches and nausea.
Additionally, mint is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. For that reason, the herb is known to clear congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs.
On the other hand, chocolate is often regarded as an indulgent treat. It’s not all bad news, though. Recent studies have shown dark chocolate, in particular, possesses several health benefits.
For one, the flavonoids in chocolate can help your veins and arteries to stay supple. Flavonoids may also help improve your memory as you get older.
Chocolate with a high cocoa content can actually be a very nutritious snack. It contains magnesium, iron, fiber, and also lots of zinc, selenium and potassium.
Most importantly: chocolate makes you happy! The release of endorphins, or brain hormones, play a key role in helping prevent depression and other mental disorders. Long story short, it is scientifically proven that chocolate can make you feel good.
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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