by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: February 14, 2009   Last Updated: February 15, 2009

Chocolates and Valentine's day go hand in hand just as two lovers strolling down a romantic road. After all, who does not love chocolate? Velvety, luscious, mouth watery... chocolate evokes great culinary sensations like no other. When it comes to shopping for a Valentine gift, one cannot go wrong with a box of chocolate.

Not all chocolates are created equal. Shopping for chocolates for Valentine's day may leave the buyer quite overwhelmed. Different brands, containers, types of chocolate and prices. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way when it come to choosing wisely. One must also consider personal taste of their significant other. Does your loved one like dark bitter chocolate or melt in your mouth milk chocolate? Any preferences such as pralines, truffles or confections? Any preferred brands?

A very important factor is considering allergies. Many chocolates are filled with peanuts, a common allergen for sensitive people. Often the box of chocolate will not list the presence of nuts in the ingredient list but there may be a little note on the box claiming that there may be traces of peanuts.

When it comes to Valentine's day chocolates there are chocolates and chocolates. The most common are found in red heart shaped boxes commonly found almost everywhere. If you want to really impress your lover, skip the usual heart shaped Valentine boxes which often offer low quality chocolates featuring often a dull, stale taste. Look instead for premium, gourmet chocolates produced by Godiva, Lindt, Ghirardelli or Ferrero Rocher.

If you really want to go the extra mile ,check out master chocolatiers such as Burdick Chocolate, Christofer Norman Chocolates and Marie Belle of New York. These are not your ordinary chocolates, these are actual pieces of art. Expect though some sticker shock!

If you want to think outside the box and offer something a little bit different, offer chocolate covered strawberries. This may seem a bit like a naive gift, but think again. These chocolates covered strawberries may turn out being very eye appealing and may provide an unforgettable gift. To get the idea, take a look at Shari's berries.

Chocolate comes also with its great health benefits it is rich antioxidants and flavonoids.. However, most people care less about these benefits. The biggest reason why chocolate is consumed is to get a quick satisfying chocolaty fix. Perhaps, though for Valentine's day, most lovers will surely appreciate as well some of its aphrodisiac effects... Ah, the power of chocolate!

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