NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY – February 19
Recognized by the US National Confectioners Association, National Chocolate Mint Day is observed annually across the nation on February 19th. This holiday has been set aside for all the chocolate mint lovers to eat their favorite treats all day long.
#ChocolateMintDay
The Aztecs and Mayans are given much credit for their ways with chocolate. And while chocolate was brought back to Europeans, they were not fond of the dark, bitter bean, so they used more for medicinal purposes.
As it was mostly consumed as a hot beverage, Europeans mixed mint, cinnamon and other spices to make it more palatable. Over time, they added sugar, and the combination of chocolate and mint became fashionable.
Fast forward to the mid-1800s when inventions and improvements in processes made it possible for confectioners to begin mass-producing chocolates. Even then, small candy shops served a local public. Advertisements for mint chocolates, or chocolate mints, did not start showing up in newspapers until the turn of the century.
The International Dairy Foods Association states that mint chocolate chip is the 10th most popular flavor of ice cream.
One of the earliest mass-producers of chocolate mints was Huyler’s in New York. Their chain of stores spread across the country.
Today we find mint chocolate in everything from ice cream to brownies, cookies and candies, liquors and sauces. Girl Scouts first sold Thin Mint cookies in 1953 and are still their most popular cookie. Mint chocolate is also the name of an herb with edible leaves that tastes like chocolate and mint.
HOW TO OBSERVE CHOCOLATE MINT DAY
- Eat some chocolate mint.
- Make something using chocolate and mint.
- If you need a recipe, try this one:
Mint Frosting for Chocolate Cake
1 package cream cheese (8 0z), softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon mint extract
Green food coloring
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in mint extract, 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring and 3-1/2 cups powdered sugar until mixed. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Store frosted cake in refrigerator.
Use #ChocolateMintDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this minty celebration. While we do, we’ll be sure to leave a chocolate mint on our pillow in the morning to inspire our search.
Chocolate Mint FAQ
Q. What kind of mint is used in chocolate?
A. Spearmint is the most commonly used mint in chocolate recipes. However, peppermint is also used.
Q. What are other uses for mint?
A. Like chocolate, mint can also be made into a beverage. In this case, mint is steeped into a tea. It is known for its calming effect on upset stomachs. Mint can also be added to lotions or topical creams providing a cooling effect on the skin. It can be added to savory sauces.
Q. What other plants are in the mint family?
A. Mint is a part of the Lamiaceae family. Some plants included in the family are:
- rosemary
- lavender
- hyssop
- basil
- thyme
- catnip