More than eight billion, or 13 million pounds, of Sweetheart candies are sold in the six weeks leading up to Valentine's Day.

The History of Sweetheart Candies

For over a century, the Valentine’s Day treats, and the messages printed on them, have matched the tone and jargon of the times

With steady sunshine and cheap labor, Colombian farms yield $1 billion in exports, dominating the United States market.

The Secrets Behind Your Flowers

Chances are the bouquet you’re about to buy came from Colombia. What’s behind the blooms?

After Mark Twain first glimpsed the girl of his dreams, he never forgot Laura Wright's "frank and simple and winsome" charms.

Mark Twain in Love

A chance encounter on a New Orleans dock in 1858 haunted the writer for the rest of his life

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Going Red Velvet for Valentine’s Day

Sweets are not in short supply around Valentine’s Day. But here’s an option a little more sophisticated than candy hearts or chocolate kisses

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The Evolution of the Sweet Tooth

There’s a reason sweethearts don’t give each other boxes of radicchio for Valentine’s Day. Humans have a soft spot for things that taste sweet

Admirers present valentines to a girl who is pretending to be sleeping, c. 1900s.  In the 18th and 19th centuries, British children celebrated Valentine's Day by going door to door, singing songs.

Ten Out-of-the-Ordinary Valentine’s Day Customs

From the festivals of ancient Rome to modern campaigns, the holiday hasn’t always been about roses and candy

Soldier beetles mate on a bed of flowers.

The Curious Do’s and Don’ts of Insect Dating Behavior

Bugs tap, dance and buzz to attract their mates—and some get eaten

Chocolate truffles

A Brief History of Chocolate

Uncover the bittersweet story of this ancient treat and watch a video

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Big Love

In a mating ritual, male humpback whales leap, splash and fight. But researchers ask: just what does a female whale want?

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