Flavor Pairings for National Chocolate Month

Creative Combinations to Elevate Chocolate Desserts

No menu is complete without the luscious decadence of a standout chocolate dessert. In addition to Valentine’s Day, February is National Chocolate Month, making it the perfect time to embrace rich dark chocolate, creamy milk chocolate and sweet white chocolate in different ways across your drink and dessert menus. Incorporate Fresh Origins products like cool Mint Peppermint Tops or crunchy and bold Mini Herb® Crystals Ginger and make this month even sweeter.

Part 1: Interested in adding contrast to rich chocolate creations?

Whether your diners are celebrating a milestone or enjoying a romantic night out, an indulgent dessert is the perfect way to end a meal leaving guests wanting more. Stand out from the crowd by pairing familiar chocolate creations with unique and fresh flavors. Think aromatic peppermint, floral peppercorns and even delicate lavender.

Mint Tops Peppermint

A classic chocolate flavor pairing, Mint Peppermint Tops feature deep green leaves with purple stems and a strong, fresh peppermint flavor. These vibrant tops add height and depth to any plate and are a wonderful addition to desserts, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Find more information about Mint Tops Peppermint here.

Mint Peppermint Tops with Chocolate Mousse, Mint Chantilly, Apple Mint Gel, Chocolate Cake, Mint Dust, and Compressed Apples in Ginger, Lemon, Mint Syrup
Chef Ginger Niles of Le Pigeon & Canard - Portland, Oregon

Calendula

Known for their rosette arrangement of yellow and orange petals that reach out from slim stems, Calendulas are a perfect color contrast to rich chocolate desserts. Silky petals have multi-layered rows that create visual appeal both in full bloom and deconstructed. Their bitter nuance lends complexity and balance to sweet white chocolate or milk chocolate dishes. Find more information about Calendula here.

Dapper Daisy Mix™

Edible Flowers Dapper Daisy Mix™ is a stunning combination of orange, gold, rose pink, purple, and scarlet petals that encircle a canary yellow to khaki floral head. The delicate petals are attached to a firm, chewy stem and have a mildly herbal and slightly tart flavor that adds depth to any dish. These beautiful flowers are perfect for enhancing the visual appeal of any culinary creation, while also providing a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress. Find more information about Dapper Daisy Mix™ here.

Hibiscus Mosaic Leaf™

Make your next chocolate creation a work of art with Hibiscus Mosaic Leaf™. Offering a striking fall & winter color palette of burgundy, pink, green, and sand-colored splotches, Hibiscus Mosaic Leaf has a mild, slightly sweet-tart flavor. It adds versatility to a number of applications, enhancing both taste and presentation of desserts. Find more information about Hibiscus Mosaic Leaf™ here.

Part 2: Ready to take your desserts to the next level?

With chocolate as the star of your dessert menu, elevate the experience by using premium Edible Flowers, Leaves, and Specialty Items to add new layers of flavor and visual appeal into your desserts. Check out some of our favorite eye-catching products to pair with chocolate:

Peppercorn Pink

Peppercorn Pink is harvested from Peruvian Pepper Trees, offering fresh, colorful peppercorns with a sweet, citrusy, and spicy flavor. Perfect for sauces, syrups, desserts, and cocktails, they are incredibly versatile. Use them as a substitute for black pepper to impart a unique, fruity, zesty aroma and taste. Find more information about Peppercorn Pink here.

Sorrel Butterfly Purple™

Gorgeous when paired with a white chocolate mousse, these striking purple leaves provide a tangy citrus contrast with a hint of bitterness, offering a unique flavor experience. Let Sorrel Butterfly Purple infuse your desserts with whimsy and take your chocolate to the next level. Find more information about Sorrel Butterfly Purple™ here.

Lavender Flower

Fresh Origins' Lavender Flowers are soft, delicate lavender-colored blossoms with long green stems offer a sweet and mild lavender flavor that mirrors their delightful aroma. These beautiful flowers are ideal for adding a touch of sophistication to desserts, perfect for pairing with dark chocolate tarts or truffles. Find more information about Lavender Flower here.

As the new year ushers in a wave of health-focused resolutions, now is the perfect time to refresh your menu with vibrant, nutrient-packed ingredients that cater to consumers who are practicing healthier habits. Give consumers easy choices with the addition of Fresh Origins® Microgreens and Microgreen Mixes, packed with flavor and nutrition that keep your menus feeling fresh all year long.