Chocolate Is Healthy

The health benefits of chocolate can be enjoyed not only in the form of raw chocolate bars. Chocolate is becoming a central ingredient in teas and other infused beverages as well.

One of the great things about the infusion of chocolate and tea is that you enjoy the chocolate
health benefits and rich flavors without calories. It’s also an opportunity to try interesting flavor combinations you may not have come across in regular chocolate. Chocolate-flavored teas obviously make a great finish to a meal, but many are balanced enough to be enjoyed at any time of day. Thankfully, you’ll find both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions of chocolate tea such as in this Chocolate Mint Truffle Rooibos Tea- 4oz. bag meaning the intoxicating blend of cacao nibs, mint and rooibos leaves won’t keep you up at night. Yet, you receive the massive antioxidants of chocolate and rooibos, sometimes referred to as red tea. Finally, chocolate tea is not just a grown up drink. Kids enjoy the chocolate backdrop enormously as well as the unique flavor combinations. And, you can find both loose leaf and bag versions of chocolate tea, so it can be prepared it in whatever way you prefer.

If you enjoy the warm cardamom, cinnamon and clove flavors of chai, then you may like the ML Masala Chocolate Truffle Herbal Tea Tin. In addition to the zesty spice mixture, this loose leaf herbal tea offers creamy chocolate notes. It’s decaffeinated so enjoy it whenever you like!

Perhaps you’re more interested in the naturally caffeinated mate, made from chicory. This energizing drink has been said to increase metabolism and alertness. The ORAC value of antioxidants in mate is several times that of many fruits and vegetables. This Chocolate Maté Solstice 20 tea bags: K from Pixie Mate might be for you. For a few dollars, it’s a great way to try this bliss-inducing, non-addictive energy tea.

For the ultimate chocolate tea gift, Mighty Leaf put together this gorgeously decadent Au Chocolat Gift Tea Set which includes 6 of their imaginative chocolate truffle tea blends as well as six squares of bittersweet Scharffen Berger chocolate and a tea infuser.

Despite being geared toward the Western U.S., we love reading Sunset for its food and decorating ideas.  In the January issue, they called out a number of healthy dark chocolate products, some of which were new to us.

Utah’s Amano Artisan Chocolate makes award-winning, single varietal handmade chocolate bars incorporate carefully sourced beans from Venezuela, Madagascar, Ecuador, Bali, Ghana and beyond.  They also sell hand roasted cocoa nibs and bulk chocolate.

Claudio Corallo cultivates a cacao plantation on the African island of Principe, a biologically-rich island with world-reknown cacao.  His offers complex bars, some with flavors like orange and ginger, as well as whole roasted cacao beans that have a delicious nutty texture.

We also learned about Portland, OR based Sip to Live, a shop with unique blends of organic teas based on ayurvedic principles.  Each blend helps to serve and refresh different areas of the body.  For example The Cool-Out, with its blend of chamomile, cherry bark and other herbs is made to soothe the nerves.

If you care about what you put in your mouth, you should be concerned about what you put on your skin. Skin products are directly absorbed into the bloodstream and a growing number of body care products feature healthful, organic ingredients that are entirely beneficial to your skin.

Organic body products means their ingredients are genetically pure, not modified. No harmful pesticides are used and farmers employ sustainable farming practices.

More and more, we’re finding chocolate and cacao making their way into skin care and body products. Not only do you find cocoa butter in lotions and sunscreens, but it’s a central component of many new body care products.

One product,  Neroli Orange & Chocolate Mint Body Lotion 12 fl oz, features certified organic chocolate mint floral water and chocolate mint oil. Certified vegan, this product don’t perform animal testing or use animal by products.

We also like the cruelty free Voluptuous Body Lotion Chocolate Orange 7 fl oz.  In addition to having certified organic cocoa blossom, this product features organic red tea blended with jojoba oil.  It’s packed with richness and antioxidants.

If you’re thinking about giving a gourmet chocolate gift this season, we strongly suggest you check out the Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club.  Similar to a “fruit-of-the-month” or “cheese-of-the-month,” Chocolate of the Month Club members get world class, gourmet chocolates each month.

The artisan chocolate selections provided in the Chocolate-of-the-Month Club are renowned brands including Spain’s Rabitos Chocolate and Vosges Haut Chocolat.  All handmade and rich in the world’s finest cocoa, this monthly membership is like giving several gifts in one.  It is a guaranteed hit because most people love chocolate, so you know it won’t go to waste.  Plus, given the explosion of interest in gourmet food and drink, this unique and thoughtful gift will please even a chocolate connoisseur with a sophisticated palette.

As part of the gift, they’ll receive an incredible newsletter that provides detailed information on the chocolatiers and their backgrounds.  Conveniently, you can pay for several months up front, or be billed as each selection ships.  You choose the start and end times, and frequency of each chocolate selection, with prices starting at under $35.

From eCampus: As well as the more traditional ideas for cakes, puddings and biscuits Green and Black’s Chocolate Recipes has more surprising recipes for chicken mole or muffins with a hint of chili. Woven into the book are stories about the Maya in Belize and the cultivation and production of chocolate, as well as tips on cooking techniques and handling chocolate. With stunning recipe and location photography, Green & Black’s Chocolate Recipes is a veritable feast for all the senses.

Green & Black’s Chocolate Recipes: from the Cacao Pod to Muffins, Mousses and Moles