Celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day With A Quiz

Every year, on the 19th of February, people across the United States celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day. This day is dedicated to the delightful combination of chocolate and mint, a flavor pairing that has won the hearts of many.

In South America, chocolate was not originally consumed in the form we are familiar with today. Instead, it was often used as an ingredient in a hot beverage. This drink was a staple in the region and was cherished for its rich, complex flavors.

It wasn’t until the year 1940 that an American brand took the initiative to create round peppermint creams that were covered in dark chocolate. This innovative product marked a significant milestone in the evolution of mint chocolate.

In 1973, a culinary student named Marilyn Ricketts made a significant contribution to the world of desserts. She developed a new flavor of ice cream: mint chocolate chip. This creation combined the refreshing taste of mint with the richness of chocolate chips, all in a creamy ice cream base.

The popularity of mint chocolate chip ice cream skyrocketed so quickly that it even caught the attention of royalty. Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips were so fond of this flavor that they chose to serve it at their wedding.

The chocolate beverage that was traditionally made in South America often included a variety of ingredients to counteract the bitter taste of the chocolate. These ingredients included cinnamon, mint, and other herbs and spices. This resulted in a drink that was not only rich in flavor but also had a unique complexity.

Mint chocolate, a beloved variety of chocolate, is created by infusing chocolate with a mint flavor. This minty essence can come from several sources, including peppermint, spearmint, or crème de menthe. The result is a refreshing and invigorating twist on traditional chocolate.

The history of mint chocolate as a flavor combination can be traced back to the 16th century. This means that people have been enjoying the unique blend of mint and chocolate for over five centuries!

When Europeans first encountered cacao beans in South America, they brought them back to Europe. There, they experimented with different ways to enhance the flavor of the chocolate drink made from these beans. One of the ingredients they found to complement the taste of chocolate was mint, which was readily available in Europe.

The type of chocolate used in mint chocolate can vary. It can be milk chocolate, which is sweet and creamy, regular dark chocolate, which has a more intense and bitter flavor, or white chocolate, which is smooth and buttery. Each type of chocolate brings its own unique qualities to the mint chocolate combination, creating a range of possibilities for mint chocolate lovers to enjoy.