Every March 24th, we celebrate National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day, a day dedicated to the delicious fusion of sweet and tangy dried raisins, lavished in a layer of creamy, decadent chocolate. This unique holiday celebrates more than just a crowd-pleasing snack, it’s a reflection of our love for a simple yet scrumptious treat.
On this day, chocolate covered raisin lovers revel in the ceremony, satisfying their sweet tooth with the iconic combination of distinctive flavors and enticing textures.
History of National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
Raisins, particularly from Corinth, commanded great value in ancient Rome. They doubled as currency for barter trades, were bestowed as rewards at sporting competitions, and even presented as precious offerings to deities. Similarly, chocolate, derived from cacao beans, has been a much-loved delicacy traced back to ancient civilizations in Central and Southern America.
The idea to combine these two beloved food items appears to be relatively newer. Raisinets, a widely identified brand of chocolate covered raisins in the United States, came into being in 1927 by the Blumenthal Chocolate Company. Later, Nestle took over the brand in 1984, further popularizing this sweet commodity.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day is celebrated with joy by many. It typically involves buying chocolate covered raisins or preparing them at home. They’ve also found a home in movie theaters, often accompanying popcorn. In the last few years, this has begun gaining appeal globally. Thanks to social media platforms, fans of this sweet morsel worldwide are now sharing their love for it and spreading awareness about March 24th, the day dedicated to celebrating all things chocolate-covered raisins.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day Timeline
The Use of Raisins
Raisin grapes were grown as early as 2000 bce in Persia and Egypt
The Introduction of Chocolate
Europeans are introduced to chocolate by the Aztecs during the exploration of the New World.
Invention of Confectionery
The concept of 'Confectionery' - the art of making sweets, especially sweets in attractive shapes - is developed in Europe.
Creation of Chocolate-Covered Raisins
The Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Company of Philadelphia invent 'Raisinets', which are chocolate-covered raisins.
Variations and Innovation
Variations on the theme, such as yoghurt-covered or dark-chocolate-covered raisins, enter the market.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
This day, celebrated annually on March 24, was established to honor the popular candy treat.
Ideas to Celebrate National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
Chocolate Covered Raisin Baking Contest
Invite your friends, family or coworkers for a baking contest where the main ingredient is chocolate covered raisins. Each participant must try to innovate in the kitchen using chocolate covered raisins as the star ingredient in their dishes. This could be a fun and sweet way to celebrate the day.
Chocolate Covered Raisin DIY Project
Buy bulk chocolate covered raisins and pack them in small, cute pouches. Share them with your neighbors, colleagues or friends as a little treat to celebrate this special day. Add a note about the importance of the day to make it more fun.
Choco-Raisin Day Charity Sale
Organize a charity sale where the profit from chocolate covered raisin candies is donated to a cause or charity. Not only can everyone enjoy delicious treats, but celebrates the day by spreading goodness to others too.
Chocolate Covered Raisin Family Picnic
Pack a picnic and include various dishes made with or including chocolate covered raisins. This can make for a fun, themed day out with the family, appreciating nature while enjoying these sweet treats.
7 Interesting Facts About Chocolate Covered Raisin
Raisinets
The most popular brand of chocolate covered raisins in the United States is Raisinets, which is also one of the country’s oldest candies appeared in 1927.
Healthy Elements
Despite the added sugar from the chocolate, chocolate covered raisins provide small amounts of dietary fiber, iron, and calcium due to the raisin.
Movie Theatre Exclusive
In movie theatres, Raisinets are the third largest selling candy, according to Nestlé.
Source of Antioxidants
Raisins are a source of naturally occurring antioxidants, which can be beneficial for health. The chocolate coating, and because they are made with dark chocolate, also provides additional antioxidants.
Production Process
Chocolate covered raisins are made by taking dried raisins and spraying them with chocolate liquor. Then, the sweets are polished to give them a shiny appearance.
Variety of Flavors
While most commonly covered in milk chocolate, they can also be found covered in white chocolate and dark chocolate, appealing to a variety of tastes.
Energy Snack
Chocolate covered raisins have long been used as an energy snack on hiking trips due to their high calorie content and easy portability.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day FAQs
Next National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 24th | Friday |
| 2024 | March 24th | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 24th | Monday |
| 2026 | March 24th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 24th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every March 24th | |
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day Word Search
- Chocolate
- Raisin
- Delicious
- Dessert
- Snack
- Cocoa