It isn’t Valentine’s Day without candy. 

Today, Valentine’s Day has a strong association with candy. By far, the most popular Valentine’s Day candy is chocolate. It’s common to see treats like milk chocolate roses, M&Ms, Hershey’s kisses, and gourmet chocolates like truffles and bonbons in stores. However, many people also celebrate Valentine’s Day with conversation hearts, cookies, and other treats. There are so many options to choose from. Where did these sweet treats come from, and what was the first Valentine’s candy?

Heart-Shaped Boxes of Chocolates

Richard Cadbury, the son of Cadbury founder John Cadbury, had the idea to create fancy-looking boxes of chocolates to increase their sales. He decorated the boxes using drawings of his family and Alpine scenes. In 1861, he created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates designed specifically for Valentine’s Day. 

Over the years, the popularity of the boxes has only grown. Today, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are still the most popular Valentine’s Day candy. Each year, over 36 million heart-shaped boxes are sold around the world.

Conversation Hearts

The second Valentine’s Day candy to gain popularity was the Sweethearts candy conversation hearts. In 1866, Daniel Chase developed a machine that could press food dye letters onto candies. These originally gained popularity as wedding candies. However, in 1902, conversation hearts evolved into the ones we know today. Although conversation hearts didn’t become associated with Valentine’s Day until nearly 40 years after heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, this sweet staple earns its place on the list of best-selling Valentine’s Day candy. 

Everybody Wants Chocolate

Chocolate is the most popular candy for Valentine’s Day for a reason. According to CandyStore.com, 37 out of 50 states in the U.S. prefer some kind of chocolate to any other sort of Valentine candy. Chocolates make the perfect gift to go alongside flowers or stuffed animals. You could also give them as a dessert after a nice dinner, or to go with a fancy bottle of wine. No matter how you give them, it’s clear that chocolates are the most favored Valentine’s Day candy each year. 

This Valentine’s Day, try Sanaa Chocolates!

Sanaa Chocolates offers premium confections that make the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Made with 100% fair trade cocoa and organic ingredients, these premium treats are also visually stunning works of art that taste even better than they look. We offer elegant bonbon boxes, dipped fruits, mendiants, peanut butter cups, and chocolate caramel pecan turtles. With so many unique flavor options, we’re confident you’ll find something they’ll love this Valentine’s Day! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

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Temperature Matters

There are so many factors that affect how chocolate tastes before you even put it in your mouth. First of all, never store chocolate in the refrigerator, or in any place that it could melt like next to a stove or in a sunny window. Keep it cool (but not cold) and dry, ideally stored between 63 and 68 degrees. Before tasting, let your chocolate come to room temperature, about 72 degrees.

Take a Look

Look closely at the color of your chocolate bar, which changes depending on the variety and origin of the cacao beans. Chocolate that is darker in color might also indicate that it includes a greater percentage of cacao. The color shows that the kind and quality of the cacao beans and other ingredients make a difference in every step of the process of making the final product.

Have you ever noticed a chocolate bar that has white patches or looks dusty? This is a sign that your chocolate has broken its emulsification from tempering, and the fat or sugars have risen to the surface. Luckily, you can still eat the chocolate: it’s not moldy. However, it may have a greasy or gritty texture and might be better used for baking. Chocolate that has been tempered well will have a shiny appearance and will snap when broken.

Use Your Nose

Before biting into your chocolate, break off a small piece and take a whiff. The strongest smell will come from the edge that has just been broken or cut. Do you notice a smell that is bright or fruity? Smoky or spicy? These smells can be linked to the flavor notes of the chocolate, and identifying them now could help you taste the chocolate better. However, some chocolates smell different than they taste.

The Moment You’ve Been Waiting For

Now it’s finally time to taste your chocolate. We recommend letting the chocolate melt in your mouth for a moment, then chewing. Like you did when smelling, think about what flavors you are experiencing. Is there a specific kind of fruit flavor that you notice, like raspberries or coconut? Do you notice spicy tastes like cinnamon or pepper? Is it super sweet, or more savory?

Don’t forget to notice how the chocolate finishes, what kind of flavor it leaves in your mouth. Good chocolate will leave you reaching for more, but bad chocolate will literally leave a bad taste in your mouth that you’ll remember for a long time.

Tasting chocolate is completely subjective, and the flavors you notice might not be the same flavors someone else notes. However, cataloging the flavors you like the best can help you understand what kinds of chocolates you prefer. Don’t forget to use palette cleansers in between chocolate bars if you are tasting several different flavors in one sitting.

Taste Sanaa Chocolates

Sanaa Chocolates offers premium confections made with 100% fair trade cocoa and organic ingredients. Our shop is dedicated to quality creations and passionate about bringing the finest flavors to every one of our valued customers. These decadent treats are also visually stunning works of art that taste even better than they look. Our ingredients are organic and seasonal, with unique flavors inspired by the various regions of the world. We guarantee that every bite will take you on a decadent journey into the artful world of Sanaa Chocolates.

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Common Valentine’s Day Candies

There are many different candies that you see specifically leading up to Valentine’s Day. One popular choice is conversation hearts, small sugar candies with messages written on them. Cinnamon bears and candy necklaces are also popular choices.

By far, the most popular Valentine candy is also the most traditional. Whether or not they come in a heart-shaped box, it’s just not Valentine’s Day without decadent chocolates. Some of the most popular picks include heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, milk chocolate roses, M&Ms, Hershey’s kisses, and more gourmet chocolates like truffles and bonbons.

Everybody Wants Chocolate

According to CandyStore.com, 37 out of 50 states in the U.S. prefer some kind of chocolate to any other sort of Valentine candy. Chocolate is the most popular candy for Valentine’s Day for a reason. These delicious treats pair perfectly with any gift. Give chocolates alongside flowers or stuffed animals. You could also gift them as a dessert after a fancy dinner, or to go with a nice bottle of wine. No matter how you give them, it’s clear that chocolates are the most favored Valentine’s Day candy each year.

Look no further than Sanaa Chocolates!

Sanaa Chocolates offers premium confections that make the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Made with 100% fair trade cocoa and organic ingredients, these premium treats are also visually stunning works of art that taste even better than they look. We offer elegant bonbon boxes, dipped fruits, mendiants, peanut butter cups, and chocolate caramel pecan turtles. With so many unique flavor options, we’re confident you’ll find something they’ll love this Valentine’s Day! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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Drink hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate is a great seasonal drink to get you in the winter spirit or help you warm up in chilly weather. Whether you use a pre-made mix or make your own from scratch, hot chocolate is a classic way to use chocolate this Christmas. Make hot cocoa while watching your favorite holiday movies or looking at Christmas lights outdoors. You could even take it up a notch by making hot chocolate bombs for your new favorite holiday tradition. 

Make chocolate-covered pretzels.

Chocolate-covered pretzels are a wonderful all-purpose treat for snacks, appetizers, or desserts. Making chocolate-covered pretzels at home can be a fun activity for kids, or they can be dressed up as a sophisticated treat for adult holiday parties. When it comes to playing with different chocolate flavors and colors, the possibilities are endless. 

Have fun with chocolate fondue.

If you’re looking for a fun and interactive dessert, there’s no better treat than chocolate fondue. Make it at home in a mini-crockpot using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. You can even get creative with dipping treats like strawberries, marshmallows, pound cake, bananas, or so much more. This messy yet sophisticated dessert idea is sure to bring joy to people of all ages. 

Chocolates make great stocking stuffers. 

Chocolate makes the perfect stocking stuffer. There are so many options for beautiful and flavorful chocolates that anyone would enjoy. From candy bars to bonbons, you’re sure to find gifts for anyone on your list. 

Gift bonbons and truffles.

Bonbons and truffles make wonderful gifts that look just as beautiful as they taste. They come in a wide variety of flavors to try. Bring a box of chocolates to every holiday party you visit this year as a host/hostess gift! 

Sanaa Chocolates is here to help!

Sanaa Chocolates offers exquisite confections that make great gifts during the holiday season. Our chocolates are made with 100% fair trade cocoa and organic ingredients. We take pride in our visually stunning works of art that taste even better than they look. We’re confident you’ll find something in our shop for everyone on your gift list this year! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

The post Ways To Use Chocolate this Christmas appeared first on Sanaa Chocolates.

They come in a wide variety of flavors. 

Our premium bonbons come in 18 unique flavors. You can even customize your box’s flavor set to come in our 12 regular flavors or our six special flavors. Our bonbon boxes also come in customizable quantities. We may recommend either a six-count or a nine-count for fitting inside stockings. However, you can order a larger box for larger stockings or other holiday gifts!

They look just as beautiful as they taste. 

Our bonbons are a work of art: Each bonbon is hand-painted in-house for a unique and luxurious look. These bonbons are not only a feast for your eyes but also a treat for your tastebuds. Because of their beautiful appearance, our chocolates make a very impressive stocking stuffer. 

Our bonbons are an ethical, sustainable choice. 

Our bonbons are a great way to shop sustainably in a season that can often feel wasteful. At Sanaa Chocolates, we are proud to shop locally for the trustworthy and 100% natural ingredients we use. We are also Fair Trade Certified, which means we are committed to responsible business practices and the highest quality products. By supporting our small business, you support local artists and chocolatiers and help us invest in our community. 

Chocolate promotes certain health benefits. 

Yes, it’s true! Chocolate has several long-term health benefits. Chocolate has been proven to reduce stress and promote memory retention, healthy skin, and overall heart health. It also combats low blood sugar and increases iron. Indulging in chocolates from time to time certainly offers many health advantages. 

Bonbons are an affordable luxury. 

Our bonbons are made at the highest standards of quality. We take pride in our trustworthy and 100% natural ingredients because we know they make a difference in the quality of our bonbons. Our exquisite chocolates come in unique flavors like yuzu caramel, cardamom coffee, and raspberry thyme caramel. Each individual bonbon is handcrafted and hand-painted by our chocolatiers. At Sanaa Chocolates, we offer chocolates at many different price points to best suit your budget. 

It’s not a holiday without chocolate!

Everyone has good memories of chocolate, particularly around the holidays. Whether you’re eating chocolate chip cookies or drinking hot chocolate, it’s not a holiday gathering without chocolates and other sweet treats to celebrate! There’s really no more festive gift than delicious, high-quality chocolates. Make your stocking stuffers all the more memorable with our premium assorted bonbon boxes. 

Quality matters! We can help. 

Sanaa Chocolates offers premium confections that make the perfect stocking stuffers no matter who you are shopping for. Made with 100% fair trade cocoa and organic ingredients, these premium treats are also visually stunning works of art that taste even better than they look. With so many unique flavor options, we’re confident you’ll find something they’ll love this holiday season! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

The post Why Our Bonbons are the Perfect Stocking Stuffer appeared first on Sanaa Chocolates.

What is a Fair Trade company?

Fair Trade is a certification that companies can obtain for their commitment to responsible business practices. When you see products labeled with the Fair Trade Certified seal, you know the product comes from a Fair Trade company. This means that you’re supporting a product made by an artisan who is being treated well and compensated fairly for their work. All kinds of companies can become Fair Trade Certified, meaning you can search for food, clothing, coffee, shampoo, and many other fair trade products. 

How does Fair Trade Shopping Make a Difference?

When you support Fair Trade companies, you join a global movement supporting responsible social, environmental, and economic conditions. Simply put, fair trade shopping changes the world. Your purchases empower individuals and communities, support the implementation of Fair Trade standards, and invest in community development. Fairtrade is also dedicated to safe working conditions for farmers and workers, as well as environmental protection. For shoppers, this means products that are ethically produced and high in quality. 

Is Sanaa Chocolates a Fair Trade Company?

Yes! Sanaa Chocolates takes pride in our ethically sourced couverture chocolate that is fair trade as certified by FairTradeUSA.org. We are dedicated to using 100% natural ingredients that are free of additives and preservatives, all the way from bean to bonbon. Sanaa also sources all of our ingredients sustainably and we shop locally first for trustworthy products. We also focus on making fresh creations each week to reduce overproduction and fight food waste. Beautiful, delicious, and sustainable chocolate is our passion, and we want to share that passion with you! Learn more about our business here or shop our wide variety of bonbons.

Choose Sanaa Chocolates

If you are looking for sustainable and 100% trustworthy products, it’s an easy choice to support fair trade companies this holiday season. By shopping fair trade, your gifts keep on giving to communities and individuals around the world! At Sanaa Chocolates, we take pride in being 100% fair trade certified. Kick-off your fair-trade shopping by reading our holiday gift guide to learn more about our delicious and ethically sourced products. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call us today!

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Bonbon Boxes

There’s a reason Sanaa Chocolates is known for its premium, hand-painted bonbons. If you’re looking for a no-fail gift idea, these delectable bonbons are sure to be a hit. They come in a variety of boxes, from 6 to 25 assorted pieces, and there are 12 incredible bonbon flavors to choose from. Not only do these artful chocolates look and taste great, but they are also made by certified chocolatiers. All of our Bonbons are also made with 100% fair trade cocoa and 100% natural ingredients. At a variety of different price points, these elegant and classy chocolates would make a perfect gift for all. 

Dipped Fruits

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box gift, choose from Sanaa Chocolates’ delicious pate de fruit collections. The tropical collection features seven great flavors like guava, banana, and mango, while the vineyard collection includes seven delicious flavors like blood orange and blackcurrant. Or, for those people in your life who can’t get enough chocolate, try the orange peels for a unique and decadent gift. 

Mendiants (Healthy Bites)

Nothing sounds more delectable than these beautiful chocolate puddles topped with your favorite toppings. Sanaa Chocolates’ mendiants offer a healthier option in the world of confections, making them a guilt-free gift for anyone in your life. These sweet treats are fit for any occasion and any time of the year. Mendiants are traditionally served during Christmas time, which makes them perfect for holiday parties or even stocking stuffers. Choose from classic flavors like milk chocolate or almond toffee, or pick even healthier flavors like Omega-3 or berry mix. 

Peanut Butter Cups

Who doesn’t love peanut butter cups? Sanaa Chocolates offers a high-quality take on a famous classic. These sweet treats come in 4- or 6-count boxes and are a highly affordable option. Like all Sanaa chocolates, these peanut butter cups are made with 100% fair trade cocoa and all-natural ingredients. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of gift possibilities, you can’t go wrong with these luxurious peanut butter cups. 

Turtles

Finally, Sanaa’s chocolate caramel pecan turtles are another classic confection that everyone is sure to love. These turtles are intricately designed and hand-painted with edible gold dust for an elegant, classy look that your eyes will adore as much as your taste buds will relish. These beautiful treats come in 2 or 6-counts and would make an impressive stocking stuffer or perfect chocolate gifts.

E-Gift Cards

Still feeling undecided? Give the gifts of both chocolate and choice with a Sanaa Chocolates e-gift card! These gift cards are a wonderful gift on any budget because any amount can be gifted. Once purchased, the e-gift card can be used towards any item on the online store, making it the most customizable present. Take the guessing out of gifting with this great option!

No matter who you are shopping for this year, Sanaa Chocolates offers a variety of premium confections that are sure to impress. Made with 100% fair trade cocoa and all organic ingredients, these premium treats are visually stunning works of art that taste even better than they look. With so many different options, we’re sure you’ll find something they’ll love this holiday season!

The post Your Guide To Chocolate Gifts appeared first on Sanaa Chocolates.

Why Your Mom Needs Chocolate This Mother’s Day

Chocolate might seem impersonal, but there are actually numerous advantages to giving it as a gift. Consider the following benefits of chocolate as a Mother’s Day gift.

1. It comes in a variety of styles and flavors.

Diversity is a beautiful thing, and the wonderful thing about people is how diverse their personalities, styles, and tastes are. Fortunately, chocolate caters to these different tastes, and you can find a flavor for almost everyone. Nuts, fruits, caramel, ganache, sea salt, and more make up the flavor profiles of luxury chocolates and allow you to customize your gift based on your mother’s preferences.

2. It is beautiful as well as delicious.

Chocolate is a gift for the eyes as well as a gift for the mouth. When you invest in handcrafted chocolate from a trained chocolatier, you will find bonbons painted in beautiful colors and patterns. Appeal to multiple senses with one gift, and spoil your mom with something beautiful.

3. It feels luxurious and indulgent.

One of the primary appeals of chocolate is that it offers an element of indulgence at an affordable price. Because good chocolate is associated with wealth and grandeur, the person eating it cannot help but feel pampered. You can offer your mother the feeling of luxury without paying for an island vacation. Everybody wins!

4. It lasts longer than flowers (maybe!).

Chocolates keep much longer than flowers…assuming the receiver can keep her hands off of them!

5. It promotes certain health benefits.

Did you know that chocolate actually contains several health benefits? It promotes memory retention, healthy skin, and overall heart health. It fights low blood sugar and increases iron. While scientists would hardly recommend a diet of 100% chocolate (wouldn’t that be nice?), occasional indulgences certainly offer their advantages.

6. It’s the Mother’s Day gift that keeps on giving.

Chocolate is one of those gifts that you can give over and over again without it getting old. After all, many gifts are one-and-done purchases. Once you have a smartwatch, you don’t need another. However, chocolate stands the test of time, and who knows? Next Mother’s Day, your mom just might be begging you for some more handcrafted chocolate.

Of Course, Quality Matters!

When we refer to chocolate, we aren’t talking about the cheap candy bars in grocery checkout lines. For a Mother’s Day gift, it is important to invest in high-quality chocolate with pure ingredients and beautiful designs. These elements are what add luxury and indulgence to chocolate and what make the Mother’s Day gift wonderful.

Need Some High-Quality Chocolates?

At Sanaa Chocolates, we pride ourselves on knowing exactly what goes in our products all the way from bean to bonbon. We source our organic ingredients locally and pride ourselves on the 100% trustworthy chocolates we produce. Additionally, we keep the bonbons on our shelf fresh, always striving not to overproduce and waste ingredients.

Beautiful, delicious chocolate is our passion, and we want to share our passion with you! Learn more about our business here or shop our wide variety of bonbons. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call us today.

The post Why Chocolate Makes a Great Mother’s Day Gift appeared first on Sanaa Chocolates.

Reasons You Might Be Craving Chocolate

Fortunately, science does a pretty good job explaining most of the human body’s strange quirks and habits. While the exact reason behind a chocolate craving might change depending on the person, common reasons include the following.

Magnesium Deficiency

Some studies suggest that a chronic chocolate craving could be the result of a magnesium deficit in the body. Chocolate is high in magnesium, so the deficient body naturally craves the balance that chocolate provides. 

Low Blood Sugar

Another reason you might find yourself craving chocolate is that your blood sugar is low. Most chocolate is high in sugar and provides a quick fix when you are hungry or low on energy. The sugar cycles through your body quickly and helps clear that “brain fog” that occurs when you have gone too long without eating.

Fatigue

Did you know that cacao acts as a natural caffeine source? If you find yourself tired and craving chocolate instead of caffeine, it is because your body subconsciously craves that boost of energy it receives from the chocolate’s caffeine. Of course, the caffeine and the sugar work hand in hand to eliminate brain fog.

Coping Mechanism for Stress

When the body is stressed out or anxious, it naturally craves dopamine. Dopamine is essentially your body’s “pleasure” chemical and is naturally released by carbs and sugar. To combat stress or even a simple bad mood, your body begins craving those easy carbs for dopamine release. This is often what leads toward a late-night or after-work cookie craving.

Habitual Sugar Consumption

If you seem to crave chocolate daily, the problem might be less medical and more habitual. Your body often craves what you train it to crave. If you consume chocolate habitually, missing a day or a meal confuses your body. Your body begins sending signals to your brain to say, “Hey, we missed our chocolate today! Did you mean to do that?”

Taste (Pure and Simple!)

Of course, the simplest explanation for your mysterious chocolate craving is that chocolate is delicious! If it tastes good, you will probably crave it every so often…and that is perfectly all right!

Are Chocolate Cravings a Bad Thing?

Keep in mind that not all chocolate is created equal. Many chocolate companies produce mass-made, overly processed chocolate that is high in both fat and sugar. These types of chocolate typically offer few health benefits, especially when consumed regularly.

That said, high-quality chocolate made with sustainable ingredients offers many health benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in iron and good for your heart, and good chocolate has even been said to increase cognitive function. A high percentage of cacao in your chocolate loads your body with antioxidants. As long as you pair your chocolate with other healthy, whole foods, you don’t have to be stressed by your cravings.

Who Are We, and How Can We Help?

At Sanaa Chocolates, we pride ourselves on knowing exactly what goes in our products all the way from bean to bonbon. We source our organic ingredients locally and pride ourselves on the 100% trustworthy chocolates we produce. Additionally, we keep the bonbons on our shelf fresh, always striving not to overproduce and waste ingredients.

Beautiful, delicious chocolate is our passion, and we want to share our passion with you! Learn more about our business here or shop our wide variety of bonbons. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call us today.

The post Why Are You Craving Chocolate? appeared first on Sanaa Chocolates.

5 Reasons Why Chocolate is Perfect for Every Situation

The following advantages provided by good chocolate make it the perfect purchase for every gift, event, or personal pleasure.

1. Chocolate provides certain health benefits.

High-quality chocolate made with organic ingredients has been shown to increase heart health. In some cases, it may even prevent strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Other studies indicate that chocolate increases brain function, including memory, attention, and daily reasoning. Dark chocolate is rich in iron and other vitamins that can help strengthen skin and hair while fighting low blood sugar. In other words, good chocolate is good for you!

2. Fairtrade chocolate products encourage sustainable shopping.

If you love supporting local, environmentally-minded businesses, the chocolate industry is one of the best places to show your love. Making a quick grab for a candy bar in the checkout line might be easy, but it is not nearly as rewarding (or healthy) as investing in high-quality products from a local business. Chocolate from a fair trade company is made using fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients. Giving that chocolate as a gift is the perfect way to support small businesses.

3. High-quality chocolate is a treat for the eye as well as the mouth.

Chocolate is one of those gifts that appeal to the very best senses. Not only is it delicious, but specialty chocolates are also beautiful. The eye loves a treat just as much as the mouth does, and there is nothing more satisfying than admiring an artistically painted chocolate just before savoring its luxurious flavor.

4. Good chocolate is a luxury item without the added cost.

If you are planning on giving a gift, you don’t want it to seem “cheap” or “easy.” Fortunately, chocolate has long been considered a luxury item. In fact, bonbons even originated in the royal French court back in the 17th century. Increased popularity has lowered the cost of producing specialty chocolate, meaning you can purchase high-quality chocolate for an extremely reasonable price. Whether you purchase the chocolate for a friend, partner, or work meeting, the receiver will enjoy feeling pampered.

5. Everyone loves chocolate! (Well, almost everyone.)

Finally, chocolate is perfect for every situation simply because almost everyone enjoys chocolate. It is one of those “safe” gifts that never grows old.

Don’t Forget to Shop Locally!

Of course, it is important to note that not every chocolate company provides the above benefits. To support a sustainable product and invest in your health, it is important to shop from a local chocolatier who uses fresh ingredients and a high-quality process. Otherwise, your money isn’t going to anything more than mass-produced bars of processed sugar.

Who Are We, and How Can We Help?

At Sanaa Chocolates, we pride ourselves on knowing exactly what goes in our products all the way from bean to bonbon. We source our organic ingredients locally and pride ourselves on the 100% trustworthy chocolates we produce. Additionally, we keep the bonbons on our shelf fresh, always striving not to overproduce and waste ingredients.

Beautiful, delicious chocolate is our passion, and we want to share our passion with you! Learn more about our business here or shop our wide variety of bonbons. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call us today.

The post 5 Reasons Why Chocolate Makes a Great Gift appeared first on Sanaa Chocolates.