Before we talk about the food traditionally eaten onh Valentine’s Day, we need to talk about the history of the day itself. Like so many other days that we celebrate, the origins of the day w are murky.
Historians believe the day is named after a Roman saint( or possible more than one), named Valentine. One legend says Valentine was a doctor
who fell in love with one of his patients, the blind daughter of an emperor. Prior to his execution( due his religious beliefs), he wrote a note to the girl and signed it “ Your Valentine. ” The story goes on to say that the blind girl was miraculously healed and able to read Valentine’s letter( but unfortunately only after his death).
Now that we have the history out of the way, let’s talk about Valentine’s Day food traditions. When asked which food they associate with Valentine’s Day, utmost people think of chocolates. But there are a numerous other foods besides these sweet treats that have traditionally been used to celebrate both love and Valentine’s Day.
The flavours of love – Basil, lavender, and rosemary are the three herbs most associated with Valentine’s Day. Basil is a traditional symbol of fertility and was constantly worn by women to gesture that they were single. The scent of lavender is not only relaxing, it’s said to be an aphrodisiac. Rosemary has long been a symbol of love, with it often being used in wedding bouquets during the Middle ages.
Wine – That warm sensation one gets when drinking a glass of wine have long been compared to the euphoria of love. This has easily made wine a symbol of love. However, cooking with wine will burn off the alcohol, If you want to avoid its inebriating effects.
Honey – traditionally, bees have been a symbol of love because of the sweet taste of the honey they make and the bitterness of their sting. It’s no wonder that honey is also used to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Strawberries – Their red color and heart shape make strawberries a perfect fruit to celebrate love. Strawberries are also the symbol of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Dip the fruit in chocolate and you can enjoy one of the most traditional Valentine’s Day foods.
Chocolate – We wo n’t leave out the most popular Valentine’s Day food, indeed though it one of the more recent additions to the holiday
menu. Chocolates came a common gift during the Victorian period. Victorians practised a celebrated interpretation of medieval chivalry and stately love. Richard Cadbury( yes, that Cadbury), a chocolatier who worked during themid- 1800s, not only developed a form for a creamier chocolate, but also designed the special heart- shaped boxes now associated with Valentine’s Day.
Why not ask a stockist near you for our beautiful honey dripper to serve your honey and matching serving bowls for your Strawberries & Chocolate