Soo Line: It’s Historically and Scientifically proven! Why we love Chocolate even more at Easter time

By Soo Greiman

Now be honest, did you delightfully indulge yourself in eating a bit more chocolate last  Sunday? If you did, good for you, it was Easter, the perfect time to bite the ears off chocolate bunnies, chew on hollow chocolate eggs, besides marshmallow or peanut butter ones, and other chocolate-drenched confections.  

Actually, the love for chocolate at Easter stems from a rich history of traditions and symbolism. The week before Easter sees the highest chocolate sales worldwide! Its popularity peeks more on this holiday than Valentine’s Day, Christmas or Halloween.  But what is it that makes Easter chocolate so appealing?  

The tradition of giving eggs began centuries ago, where in pagan festivals, eggs symbolized fertility, renewal and the arrival of spring. Early Christians later adopted the egg as  a symbol pf Jesus’ resurrection, with the shell representing the tomb and the chick symbolizing new life. The first chocolate Easter eggs were made in 19th century France and Germany where chocolatiers made solid and eventually hollow eggs. The tradition spread rapidly and by  the early 20th century, chocolate Easter eggs became a global phenomenon. Today chocolate  Easter eggs are a multi-billion dollar industry with millions sold every Easter season.  

Food scientists agree it’s not just vivid imaginations but scientific reasoning behind why chocolate Easter eggs taste better.  

First, it’s their shape. It’s known the way chocolate is shaped can influence how it melts,  releases aromas and interacts with human taste buds. Chocolate candy in the shape of an egg  is said to be perfect for how it melts, its fragrance and how the cacao solids and butters work  together. So egg-shaped chocolate triumphs over other choices like chocolate squares or rectangular bars.  

Adding to their case, food scientists make a second point in saying chocolate eggs hold the strongest nostalgic influence of any candy. Egg hunts are often part of a shared family ritual. This makes Easter chocolate special and a unique sensory experience.  

The third point solidifying why chocolate tastes better at Eastertime is tied to the  religious importance of the holiday. Easter is not simply a season; it is a celebration of our  Savior Jesus. A joyful triumph of divine love over the grave. Knowing that makes everything better.  

Hearing this science-based information was spectacular news to a confessed chocoholic like me! So, Sunday afternoon during our annual egg hunt I thought it was time for  a little