Getting to the Heart of Valentine’s Day
Long before Valentine’s Day aroused images of Cupid, hearts and roses, and centuries before chocolate was first discovered, the popular holiday is believed to have originated in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia that took place during the fifth century. The raucous and sensual affair celebrated fertility and the coming of Spring – an experience far removed from our modern ideal of love and romance. Under Pope Gelasius I, the festival eventually evolved from its pagan beginnings and was designated a Christian holiday on February 14 to honor the martyred Saint Valentine, who was believed to be a composite of several men named Valentine who performed heroic and selfless deeds, dying in the name of love.
Today, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love and romance, thanks in part to the works of Chaucer and Shakespeare, and others, who have immortalized the day through their passionate poetry and prose. Whatever the day means to you, take time to celebrate love in all its wonderful and unpredictable forms!
Coffee and Chocolate – The Perfect Pairing
We can’t think of a better way to observe Valentine’s Day than with the perfect pairing of coffee and chocolate. Phenylethylamine may not sound sexy, but this chemical found in chocolate is known to enhance hormones and heighten bodily sensations while increasing the brain’s serotonin level that is responsible for increasing libido, positive mood, emotional health, and more.
And there’s nothing sexier than the healthy antioxidant benefits of chocolate. Similar to coffee, chocolate consumption has been associated with decreasing diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. What’s not to love?
Coffee naturally enhances the flavors of chocolate, making for some delicious and decadent combinations. Chocolate lovers have already discovered their favorite Javatino coffees, including our Brazil Organic, strong-bodied with subtle dark chocolate sweetness. Or the warm cedar notes and chocolaty finish in our Sumatra Organic coffee, originating from the Republic of Indonesia. And for a limited time, you can still enjoy our Bali Blue Moon Organic, a dark roast produced at a small family-owned Indonesia farm, and featuring an exotic blend of chocolate, vanilla and spice.
Try pairing a cup of Javatino with a piece (or two) of delectable chocolates. Or you can step up the chocolate flavor in your cup by whipping up your own easy Mocha. Just add about 2-3 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 teaspoons of sugar (to taste), and about ¼ cup of steamed milk to your hot cup of coffee. We recommend a strong dark roast, such as Javatino French Roast Organic or Cuba Joe’s Espresso Organic to bring out the best of both flavors. Top it off with frothed milk or whipped cream.
Javatino, Orlando’s original and only Certified Organic artisan coffee roaster, introduced the Orlando area to its high quality 100% Arabica coffee in 2012. Since then, we have supplied customers in Central Florida and beyond with coffee sourced from the finest coffee growing regions in the world. Enjoy the flavors of Valentine’s Day every day with Javatino! Shop online to view our entire collection of blended and Single Origin coffees.