What to get someone who doesn’t like chocolate for Valentine’s Day…

They are:

• Macarons
• Yoghurt-dipped strawberries
• Candied figs
• Honey-glazed almonds
• Watermelon hearts

Now let’s find out more about them...

Macarons

What are macarons?

Sometimes referred to as ‘macaroons’, macarons are a traditional French sweet or ‘confection’. Since the 19th century they have traditionally consisted of two meringue discs pressed together, with a filling of ganache or buttercream.

Macarons are famous for coming in a range of pastel shades - as colourful food dye is often among the ingredients, as well as their sweet, almond flavour, crispy shell and chewy centre.

Why are macarons romantic?

Macarons are associated with Paris - generally considered to be the world’s most romantic city. They are also more expensive (due to the use of almond rather than wheat flour), time consuming and difficult to make than most sweets and biscuits. This gives them a sense of luxury and decadence associated with holidays such as Valentine’s Day, which celebrate lavishing one’s romantic partner with attention and gifts.

Allergy alert!

Macarons are made with almond flour, a (Tree) Nut derived product, making it part of the 14 major food allergens. Eggs, another macaron ingredient are also among the 14 major food allergens. Depending on the filling of the macaron, they also may contain Milk - another major allergen.

Perfect for: Those with a taste for the finer things in life.

Yoghurt-dipped strawberries

What are yoghurt-dipped strawberries?

Yoghurt-dipped strawberries are fresh strawberries that have been washed, dipped in vanilla or plain Greek yoghurt and then placed in the freezer until the yoghurt hardens.

They are then removed from the freezer and eaten before the yoghurt can melt. Sometimes food dye is added to the yoghurt to turn it pink or red and really push the Valentines theme.

Why are yoghurt-dipped strawberries romantic?

Strawberries have long been considered one of the most romantic foods - in ancient Rome the strawberry was associated with the goddess of love - Venus. As such, when 2 people shared a strawberry it was believed they would fall in love. The yoghurt adds a sense of occasion.

Allergy alert!

Yoghurt is made from Milk, one of the 14 major food allergens.

Perfect for: Giving to those with a sensual streak.

Candied figs

What are candied figs?

Candied figs are figs that have been cooked in a sweet syrup flavoured with spices such as cinnamon, and then dried or dehydrated. This gives them added sweetness and a moreish quality.

Why are candied figs romantic?

The ancient Greeks allegedly valued figs more than gold and connected them with figures such as Dionysus (deity of wine) and Priapus (a satyr symbolising sexual desire). Candied figs are sweeter, and therefore more indulgent than fresh figs - making them perfect for a singular occasion such as Valentine’s Day.

Perfect for: Gifting to romance purists.

Honey-glazed almonds

What are honey-glazed almonds?

Honey-glazed almonds are almonds that have been toasted in the oven or under a grill, then cooked in a mixture of honey, almond oil and water until all of the liquid has been absorbed, and finally sprinkled with sugar (or sometimes a mixture of sugar and salt).

Why are honey-glazed almonds romantic?

Individually, both honey and almonds are traditionally romantic foods. Traditionally, newly married couples would drink mead (made with honey) on the first moon after their wedding, and honey also contains nitric oxide (which improves blood flow and stamina) and boron (which regulates hormones in the body). Almonds have long been associated with fertility - it’s said that Romans would shower newlyweds with the nut for good luck, and they are also rich in vitamin E - which increases blood flow.

Allergy alert!

Almonds are a (Tree) Nut - one of the 14 major food allergens.

Perfect for: Snacking before a night of romance.

Watermelon hearts

What are watermelon hearts?

Watermelon hearts are pieces of watermelon that have been cut into a heart shape and chilled.

Why are watermelon hearts romantic?

Watermelon hearts are romantic because watermelon is considered to be an aphrodisiac. This is because it contains the amino acid citrulline which is said to relax blood vessels that stimulate the sex drive. Aphrodisiac foods are ideal for Valentine’s Day romance.

Perfect for: Those looking for a healthy option.