Today is National Chocolate Mint Day which reminds me of my childhood when my parents would purchase a box of Thin Mints for themselves and before you ask yes, they did share them with the kids. Although, I was the only one who didn’t like them.
Fast forward and my parents are gone but David likes Chocolate Mints and loves going to restaurants that give them to their guests. During Christmas I always purchase a box of Thin Mints for David. Now, my question for you. Would you like a Thin Mint with David? Charlie says he is going to pass on the Candy and have Chocolate Mint Ice Cream.
Five facts about Chocolate Mint:
- In Tea Houses and Dinner Halls of the early 1900’s Mint Sprigs and Dark Chocolates are served after desserts for patrons to ‘chew for good breath and aid digestion’.
2. Did you know out of all the Girl Scout Cookies Thin Mints account for over 25% of the annual Girl Scout Cookie sales?
3. Andes Chocolate Mints, created in 1921, have little to do with the Andes Mountains. They were once called “Andy’s Candies” but the owner ‘found that men did not like giving boxes of Candies with another man’s name on them to their wives and girlfriends’, so he changed the name of the Candy.
4. Frango Mints, were perhaps the first Chocolate Mints, which were first patented in 1918. Frango Mints were sold in Tea Houses and sold frozen to emphasize the sharp Mint flavor.
5. Ancient Greeks believed Mint could cure hiccups.
National Chocolate Mint Day celebrates the unusual yet delicious flavour which has become a classic over time. The combination seems to make for a healthy alternative. Chocolate helps produce serotonin and dopamine, and the combination of that with mint overall makes for a healthier candy. Mint is also a powerful herb which aids digestion and fabulously freshens breath. This triumphant flavor combination means an entire day dedicated to its taste and vigor. Announced by the United States National Confectioners Association, national Chocolate Mint Day honors the flavour pairing and reflects the mishmash of these two flavours and their popularity.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY
Chocolate only used to be consumed as a beverage. The Aztecs and Mayans brought Chocolate back to Europe, but it wasn’t as popular as it is today due to its bitterness and medical purposes. Historically, Mint also initially started out as a hot beverage. In Europe, Mint was mixed with Cinnamon and Spices to make it more palatable. Over time, Sugar, Chocolate and Mint drinks became popular. By the 1800’s, Chocolate was already being mass produced but mixing it with Mint did not happen for a while yet.
The Romans and Ancient Greeks genuinely used and valued Mint due to its health benefits. Mint aids digestion freshens the breath and is a regular component in recipes. Combining Mint with Chocolate happened around the 19th Century when Chocolate alone was being manufactured as confectionary and for Ice Cream.
In the 1940’s, the creation of the York Peppermint Patty was announced. This popular development made these two flavours combined, an absolute hit. The York Cone Company is now owned by Hershey which today speaks for itself. Since then, the combination of Chocolate and Mint is one to be reckoned with.
Mass production meant Chocolate was eventually combined with Mint. One of the earliest mass producers of Chocolate Mints was a place in New York called Huylers who had a chain of stores across the U.S. Girl Scouts popularized the snack in the 50’s and they are still famous today. Now, Chocolate and Mint can be found everywhere from Ice Cream to Cookies and Candy.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY
- Today is the Holiday to eat Chocolate and Mint together. Which can be a Cake or Ice Cream. Don’t forget to take photos and share on Social Media.
- Now, I have a question for you. Have you ever tried Chocolate Mint Coffee? If not make Chocolate Mint Coffee at home, if you’re not sure how just search for a recipe online.
- Whether it’s a slice of Chocolate Mint Cake, or Mint Ice Cream indulge and try and make your own Ice Cream from scratch using a recipe you find online.
5 FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY
- In Tea houses and Dinner Halls in the 1900’s, Mint and Dark Chocolate Sprigs were served for good breath and to aid digestion.
- Thin Mints account for more than 25% of Girl Scout Cookie sales.
- Popular Chocolate Mints, ‘‘Andies Mountains’’ were once called ‘‘Andies Candies.’’
- The Ancient Greeks believed that Mint could cure hiccups.
- Mint Chocolate is also the name of a herb with edible leaves.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY
- There are so many different recipes using the combination of Mint and Chocolate, which is why people love Chocolate Mint.! Cookies, to Ice Cream the versatility of this flavor is endless.
- Did you know people will take a deep whiff of Mint Chocolate before they eat it? We mean they really smell how wonderful Mint Chocolate is, showing how the flavors combine so well even in scent.
- Summer, or Christmas, Mint Chocolate is a classy flavor. The kind of flavor you go running around in stores looking for.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
