Perfect Chocolate and Nut Pairings
Perfect Chocolate and Nut Pairings.What’s Your Favourite?
A decadent pleasure in and of itself is chocolate! But, when chocolate and nuts are together, the result is an irresistible healthy snack that fits a discerning palate. Nut lovers or chocolate addicts alike will find that chocolate-covered nuts are the best of both worlds. The combination of sweetness, salt, crunch, and chewiness will satisfy any craving. Peanuts, almonds, and walnuts are traditional go-to choices with chocolate. Let’s try something different. How about giving chocolate-covered hazelnuts and Brazil nuts a chance to dazzle and tantalise taste buds? Get ready to experience possibilities and potential new favourites. This blog will explore the health benefits of chocolate and nuts, the treat’s history, and perfect pairings.
Chocolate Health Benefits. Perfect Chocolate and Nut Pairings
Dark chocolate is a superfood. Nutritionists and medical professionals agree that dark chocolate can lower cholesterol levels, aid cognitive function, assist digestion, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke when eaten in moderation. Additionally, chocolate can help with fetal development growth and athletic performance. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270272. The secret to dark chocolate’s success is antioxidants with flavanols and polyphenols. It has significant fibre, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. A portion recommendation amount is “two tablespoons of chocolate chips or a piece of chocolate no bigger than a book of matches,” according to Katie Johnson, dietitian and health and wellness coach with United Healthcare. https://mspmag.com/health-and-fitness/just-wondering-is-dark-chocolate-healthy/. Nutritional value changes as sugar or sweeteners get into the dark chocolate.
Nut Health Benefits
Nuts are flavourful plant protein sources that produce sustainable energy all day and are good places to find micronutrients such as vitamins E and K, fibre, carotenoids, magnesium, copper, potassium, selenium, essential fatty omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Researchers at the National Institute of Health and Mayo Clinic say consuming nuts daily can reduce inflammation in heart disease and diabetes. Nuts can also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10000569 and https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635.
In 2023, Good Food by the BBC created a Top 10 Healthiest Nuts list. The list includes almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. Almonds are at the top of the list because of their sweet flavour, omega-3 fatty acids, and other power-packed nutrient levels. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-healthiest-nuts. Victoria Taylor, a British National Health Service dietitian, recommends eating 30g or a small handful of nuts daily. That equates to 175kcal. She encourages consumers to avoid dry roasted, salted, flavoured, or honey-roasted nuts due to the extra salt and sugar content. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/ask-the-expert/nuts-as-a-healthy-snack.
Chocolate Covered-Nuts History
Cacao, or chocolate, began as a sweet or spicy drink in Central America by the Aztecs and Mayans. The drink is the “divine elixir.” These people were known as consumers of chocolate-covered almonds. Once explorers tasted chocolate with some sugar, it became popular and a luxury item all over Europe. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Europeans would dip their favourite nuts into chocolate before eating them. The party practice was a hit! Soon, nuts were pre-dipped in milk chocolate or coated in dark chocolate. During the 20th and 21st centuries, demand rose for chocolate. The demand for chocolate-covered nuts especially continues to increase. The item is a gift-giving essential. Today, the Swiss consume the most chocolate worldwide. The Mars bar is the most popular chocolate bar in the UK. A Milky Way is the least favourable.
Perfect Chocolate and Nut Pairings
Try Walnut Tree’s Chocolate Brazil Nuts are a crowd-pleaser. When velvety chocolate mixes with a Brazil nut’s smooth texture and woodsy aroma, the taster’s whole mouth says, “Hmmm, yum.” The Brazil nuts can be dipped in Belgian dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate. Order a beautifully hand-packed box for £13, and use SKU Code: RBBR. The product is suitable for vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free diets.
Hazelnuts in Chocolate by Walnut Tree. These are a premium product best paired with a hot drink or glass of wine. Consumers can’t stop with one chocolate-covered hazelnut. The nutty and earthy flavour of hazelnuts and chocolate leaves people wanting more round balls of goodness. Dipped them in Belgian, white, or milk chocolate. Order a handcrafted package for £13, and use SKU Code: RBHA. This item is suitable for vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free dietary needs.
Chocolate Almonds by Walnut Tree are sweet and delectable treats. Whole almonds have a nutty and slightly woody aroma. The almonds are covered in milk, caramel, and dark or white chocolate for this package. These goodies are handmade and hand-packed with love. Order a box for £13, and use SKU Code: RBAL. Consumers will find this package suitable for vegetarians and those with halal and gluten-free diets.
Chocolate-covered nuts are guaranteed to be great gift ideas now and into the future. Dark chocolate is a superfood by itself when eaten in moderation. The same can be said for nuts. Different nuts have varying health benefits worth exploring further. Trying a variety of chocolate and nut pairing is an extraordinary experience. However, the ideal pairing between nut and chocolate is a matter of personal taste and whim. What is your favourite chocolate-covered nut, and why? Let me know bev@walnut.gifts.
About Walnut Tree- the finest edible gifts
Great Taste Awards
With Great Taste Awards for nougat, dried fruit, marron glacé, glacé fruit and pate de fruit. You’ll always be purchasing quality products from Walnut Tree.
Who we supply
Supplied under own brand or white label to prestigious stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops.
Why buy from us?
You’re buying directly from the source and will get excellent value for money. If you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it. The website is open 24/7, orders despatched within 48 hours.
Our charitable contributions
Walnut Tree supports Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit for their care packages. www.futuredreams.org.uk
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