Chocolate and Valentine’s Day have become synonymous, but when did this tradition begin? The answer lies in centuries of history within the evolution of chocolate. Once a luxury, chocolate became a universal symbol of love. Let’s discover the story behind this pairing and uncover its origins. Read more about the History and Evolution of Chocolate here.
Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?
The word “bonbon” comes from the French word bon, meaning “good,” and was first used in the 17th century to describe small, chocolate-covered or sugar-coated confections. Originally, bonbons were sugar-coated nuts or fruits, but by the 19th century, they evolved to include chocolate-filled varieties, thanks to innovations in chocolate tempering and molding techniques.
Chocolate entered the Valentine’s scene in the Victorian Era & was a popular luxury among the wealthy. In 1861 British Chocolatier Richard Cadbury solidified the association between love & chocolate by creating the first heart-shaped chocolate box for commercially packaged chocolates. His idea reshaped candy culture worldwide, making it a Valentine’s Day staple. His boxes were considered works of art which were often saved and repurposed for storing small items.
What Chocolate Should You Chose for Valentine's Day?
The chocolate of choice to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special occasion is couverture chocolate. Couverture chocolate is a type of high-quality chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter (at least 31%) compared to regular chocolate. It is made from real cocoa butter and cocoa solids, offering an authentic and luxurious chocolate experience.
Couverture chocolate is designed to help you achieve professional-quality results. From its ancient origins to its modern-day role as a token of love, chocolate continues to bring people together.
