Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Tree Talk: The Sweetest Holiday

Just when you may have reached a milestone in dominating your New Year's resolution to cut out sugar, Valentine's Day appears on the calendar. There are ways around it – you can celebrate with a card (thanks, Hallmark) or Go for the Gold, literally, with jewelry. Flowers are perfect for some. But the most iconic, sweetest way to show affection is with a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Valentine's Day has a long history that evolved into the sharing of gifts and cards, but the first elaborate boxes of chocolate candies were marketed in the 1860's by the Cadbury family – a brand name still recognizable today. The boxes became treasures themselves as a special place to harbor heartfelt mementos and love notes. The U.S. is one of the largest consumers of chocolate and leading up to February 14, Americans purchase more than 50 million pounds of the delicacy. U.S. consumption of chocolate is outdone by Switzerland which leads the world in chocolate consumption at nearly 20 pounds per capita. While that may seem excessive, dark chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants and some modern studies have suggested chocolate could lower cholesterol levels and prevent memory decline. Chocolate consumed in moderation, of course.

While money does not, chocolate indeed does grow on trees. Chocolate is sourced from the roasted seeds or beans of the cacao ("kuh-KOW") tree. Cacao is native to tropical forests in Central and South America but is now also grown in many African countries. The most prized chocolate is from cacao trees grown in Ecuador. Cacao fruit, which are large fleshy football-shaped pods, are harvested twice a year. It is a laborious process as the fruit are picked from the trees, cut open to remove the pulp and expose the seeds – all by hand. Seeds are fermented to develop the chocolate flavor, dried and then processed. There are many steps between the cacao tree to that chocolate-filled heart-shaped box.

A few generations ago, a sure way to express your forever love was to carve initials into the trunk of a tree. It's a romantic gesture and one that remains visible for years. The tree won't mind much as it will produce scar tissue to protect the damaged part of the tree – but not everyone appreciates tree graffiti. Instead, consider planting a tree or blooming shrub for your loved one! Okay – we can't plant outside in February so you must be creative. Visit your favorite nursery or greenhouse and buy a gift certificate. Tuck it inside a card and attach it to that box of chocolates. When the snow finally melts, make it a date to re-visit the nursery. Choose a plant carefully, plant it lovingly, nurture it properly. It's a gift that will keep on giving. Happy Valentine's Day.