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What Is Mint Chocolate?

J.M. Densing
J.M. Densing

Mint chocolate is an extremely popular flavor combination found in many items, possibly because many people find the cool chocolaty taste refreshing. Although both chocolate and mint have been consumed separately for centuries, it appears to be unknown when they were first combined. The most common use of mint chocolate is for sweet items such as candy, ice cream, cakes and other treats. Since it is such a popular flavor, it is also used in a variety of other foods and drinks, including savory dishes, coffee, and tea. Mint chocolate is also used to flavor and scent non-food items such as flavored lip balm or bath and beauty products.

Currently popular in countries all over the world, the origins of mint chocolate are unknown. Chocolate has been being consumed in various forms throughout history, dating back to the Olmec and Maya civilizations of South America, and the use of mint also dates back to ancient times. Both items were commonly served unsweetened until they reached Europe and North America. Although mint was easy to grow and readily available, the consumption of chocolate was reserved primarily for the wealthy until the industrial Revolution made it possible to manufacture and sell it at an affordable price. Both chocolate and mint have also been used for a variety of medicinal purposes.

Mint leaves.
Mint leaves.

Although it's unknown who first put chocolate and mint together, the favor combination has been popular for many years. The most common use of chocolate mint is as a flavor for a variety of sweet treats. It's used in a variety of candies, from mint-flavored gourmet chocolates to peppermint patties, fudge, and other popular candies. Mint chocolate chip is also an immensely popular ice cream flavor, and there are a wide variety of mint chocolate desserts.

Mint chocolate is a common flavor used to make hot chocolate.
Mint chocolate is a common flavor used to make hot chocolate.

Due to its popularity, mint chocolate is also used to flavor a wide variety of dishes. It can be used as a component of savory dishes, for example as a sauce for certain cuts of meat. It's also a common flavor for hot beverages, including hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. There is also an herb called chocolate mint, which is a variety of mint with a slight hint of chocolate flavor that can also be used in teas, salads, sauces, and other dishes.

Mint-chocolate pots de crème are baked in individual ramekins, then chilled.
Mint-chocolate pots de crème are baked in individual ramekins, then chilled.

Mint chocolate is also used in other non-food products. It can be used to provide flavor and scent in flavored lip balms and glosses, and used to scent bath and beauty products including body washes and scrubs, lotions, body sprays, and shampoo. It can even be used to scent household items like potpourri, air fresheners or room sprays, and even scented candles.

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    • Mint leaves.
      By: hvoya
      Mint leaves.
    • Mint chocolate is a common flavor used to make hot chocolate.
      By: haveseen
      Mint chocolate is a common flavor used to make hot chocolate.
    • Mint-chocolate pots de crème are baked in individual ramekins, then chilled.
      By: razmarinka
      Mint-chocolate pots de crème are baked in individual ramekins, then chilled.
    • Mint chocolate may be used to scent bath water.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Mint chocolate may be used to scent bath water.