Discover the Surprising Health Benefits of Pairing Chocolate and Tea—Better Than Wine!

Tea and chocolate have fascinating histories that date back thousands of years. Legend says tea was discovered by the Chinese emperor Shen Nung around 2737 B.C. He was drinking boiled water when some leaves accidentally fell in, creating the first cup of tea.

Cocoa has a similarly ancient past. Recent findings show that Ecuadorian people enjoyed cocoa over 5,300 years ago. However, it wasn’t until the early 16th century that Spanish explorers introduced cocoa to Europe.

Both tea and chocolate gained popularity quickly, becoming fashionable and even medicinal by the 17th century. Tea sommelier Piotr Miga notes that both are rich in antioxidant polyphenols. These compounds combat free radicals, potentially lowering cancer risks and providing other health benefits.

Healthline highlights how the antioxidants in cocoa and dark chocolate can reduce inflammation. They also keep the cells in our blood vessels healthy. Popular teas like green tea and ginger also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

Typically, we enjoy tea and chocolate together as a treat after meals, especially on special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Miga points out that tea is often favored in British and Eastern cultures, while wine is more common in Italy and France.

When it comes to pairing chocolate with tea, dark chocolate works beautifully with strong black teas or herbal blends. Miga suggests that milk chocolate pairs nicely with lighter teas, like first flush black tea or oolong.

Amy Sherman, a tea expert, notes that pairing chocolate with tea is similar to wine and chocolate pairings. You can create contrasts or complementary flavors based on your choices. For instance, Earl Grey’s citrusy taste matches wonderfully with chocolate.

If you’re enjoying chocolate with mint, Sherman advises using mint tea to enhance the mint flavor. Conversely, a robust black tea like English Breakfast can diminish the minty taste. When it comes to sweeter chocolates, like caramel, she recommends pairing them with stronger teas to balance the flavor.

For chocolate lovers, pairing white chocolate with delicate herbal teas, like chamomile, creates a lovely balance. Since white chocolate has a milder flavor due to its cocoa butter content, it complements floral tea notes well.

The trend of tea-flavored chocolate is growing, with brands like Raaka Chocolate in Brooklyn crafting bars that blend the two. Their Earl Grey dark chocolate, introduced in 2014, combines the sweetness of chocolate with the aromatic properties of tea.

Both tea and chocolate can elevate your mood, thanks to compounds like theobromine and caffeine. A little of each might help you stay focused and energized during the day.

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