[New Word Dictionary] Minchodan - It's a Preference, Please Respect It

Minchodan is a newly coined term referring to people who like mint chocolate, a combination of mint and chocolate. Recently, it has become a popular product mainly among the MZ generation, leading to the release of various related items. Illustration by Seongsu Oh

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] In 1521, Spanish conquistador Hern?n Cort?s conquered the Aztec Empire on the Mexican plateau, introducing cacao to Europe for the first time. Cacao, which was used as currency in South America, began to be used as medicine when it reached Europe. Because its taste was very bitter, it was consumed with mint or sugar to make it more palatable. Until 1828, when Coenraad van Houten of the Netherlands developed cocoa butter by pressing cacao to extract fat, cacao was consumed as a liquid beverage rather than a solid. Indigenous Mexicans roasted cacao and boiled it with water, corn, chili peppers, or spices, drinking it for its spicy flavor. Early Mexican explorers drank this beverage and quickly regained their strength, sometimes considering cacao a type of coffee. The bitter cacao drink gained tremendous popularity in Europe starting in the 17th century, and chocolate houses where people drank cacao mixed with sugar appeared before cafes and spread widely.

“Mincho-dan” is a newly coined term referring to people who like mint chocolate, a combination of mint and chocolate. Mint chocolate originated when cacao was first introduced to Europe and consumed mixed with mint. It became a common dessert, even appearing on the menu when Baskin-Robbins opened its first store in 1945. In 1973, at a contest held for the wedding dessert of Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise of the United Kingdom, a mint chocolate ice cream called “Mint Royal” won the gold prize, gaining worldwide popularity. Recently, mint chocolate has become a trendy item especially among the MZ generation, leading to the release of various mint chocolate-flavored products. According to Emart, sales of mint chocolate-related products from January to July this year increased by 573.6% compared to the same period last year. Centered around Mincho-dan, a culture has newly taken root where people express their individuality through their taste preferences and respect each other’s likes.

Example

A: Hey, we’re all eating together, so why did the senior just pour the sauce without asking? I’m on the dipping side.
B: Right? Sweet and sour pork is best with dipping sauce, but pouring the sauce makes it soggy and tasteless.
A: Sigh. Let’s just cheer up while eating ice cream. We’re going to Baskin. What will you have?
B: I’m always all about Mincho. Mincho-dan, rise up!
A: Oh dear. I heard they even have mint soju these days. Truly, it’s the era of Mincho-dan. LOL