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Hello Reader,
Chocolate has been associated with Valentine’s Day for over 200 years, but more recently it has taken on an additional meaning among friends. No longer is it just a proclamation of love and good taste among couples. We have a Parks and Rec episode to thank for the idea of Galentine’s Day. The new holiday, celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s day, was coined as a way for women to celebrate their friendship with brunch or gifts such as chocolate. It’s a convenient excuse to enjoy the decadent treat derived from Theobroma Cacao (the Cocoa Tree).
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Cocoa pods growing directly from the trunk of the Cocoa Tree.
Originally chocolate was consumed as a bitter drink in Central America, and is derived from a large seed pod. The tree, which typically grows to around 25’ tall, has dainty flowers that grow directly from the trunk and branches. Unlike many plants who are pollinated by bees or moths, it is tiny flies who pollinate the Cocoa Tree. The flowers turn into cocoa pods containing the beans that are processed into chocolate. Money may not grow on trees, but it seems like love might.
Plant names are always interesting to me, and the name for the Cocoa Tree is no exception. Theobroma, the name of the genus, is derived from Greek and translates as theos (gods) and broma (food) or “food of the gods.” While cacao, the specific name, is a reference to the original words used to describe it in Mesoamerican languages. (It’s also a safe word in Portlandia.) Chocolate was prized in rituals and as an aphrodisiac, which is still true today through its use in Valentine’s Day if you ask me.
Looking through my photos for this article, I found a photo I took in Andhra Pradesh, India. The farmers were drying the cocoa beans in the sun to process their harvest.
However, as I mentioned at the top, chocolate has taken on a newer meaning recently as a gift between friends or specifically gal pals. What men enjoy on Valentine's day is a mystery even to me. (Pokemon Cards, perhaps?) Galentine’s Day is a new idea in the US and a great way to show your friends some platonic love, since it’s not too hard to pick up some extra chocolates if you are already shopping for it. This has also turned into a trend recently in Japan.
Japan is well known for its Giri Choco or “obligation chocolate,” which is given to male coworkers by women on Valentines Day. However, more recently Tomo Choco “friend chocolate” has become more popular as women, who typically give gifts on Valentines Day, will buy their friends some chocolates while shopping. Both the US and Japan have leaned into this trend recently, and it is a nice way to show your friends some kindness on a day that can give many people mixed emotions.
Personally, I like the idea of the seeds of Theobroma being given as a ritual of friendship. I’m sure the chocolatiers also rejoice with the extra sales in February. So, make sure to pick up some extra chocolates this year. Your friends, after all, are certainly worthy of the food of the gods.
Field Notes:
Craving more chocolate in your garden, but can’t exactly grow a Cocoa Tree? Try these cultivars to bring some decadence into your flower beds.
A dark velvety plant with a real chocolate scent, the classic chocolate scented plant. It is a great addition to a sensory garden, and I love to plant these alongside plants like Lamb’s Ears for kids.
Smells of cocoa in the afternoon heat. Native to AZ , CO , KS , NM , OK , and TX.
Useful for baking, mixed drinks, or a garnish for ice cream or cakes. As with all mints, be wary of aggressive growth and plant in a pot.
Not necessarily chocolate flavored, but a uniquely colored tomato. They have a delicious sweet flavor and produce throughout the summer.
Same as the tomato, where it is grown more for the unique color than a chocolate taste. Very spicy and adds a good kick to hot sauce or salsa.
Plotter’s Commons:
If you could write a love letter to one plant, what would it be? Reply to this email or post in the Facebook group to share your answer. If you feel inclined to use the prompt for some creative writing, then go ahead and write a full letter. 💌
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Written for 507 chocolate connoisseurs.
Until next Thursday,
Ken Welch
Ken Welch is a garden writer with a very serious degree in Horticulture. When his city lacked a community garden, he helped build one. He teaches new gardeners how to grow their own food.
Cibus Est Imperium | Food is Power