It’s that time of year again. And with Easter being a time of reflection, is there a better way to reflect than with chocolate? Everyone loves their chocolate, and Easter is a great time for a little indulgence in the good stuff– mounds and pounds of the good stuff, in every shape and size.

The most common chocolate concoction at Easter is the egg, bought and exchanged as gifts on the day by friends and family all over the country. But why an egg?

What does an egg have to do with Jesus Christ, sacrificing his life to save mankind? Yet an egg is the symbol of rebirth in many cultures. It symbolizes fertility and new life.

In fact, the Easter egg tradition predates the Christian holiday of Easter. The exchange of eggs in the springtime is a custom that was centuries-old when Christians first celebrated Easter.

Shockingly for us chocoholics, it’s not always chocolate eggs being exchanged. Different cultures developed their own ways of decorating Easter eggs.

In Greece they colour their eggs crimson, to honour the blood of Christ. Austrian artists design beautiful patterns by fastening ferns around the eggs, which are then boiled leaving a striking white pattern.

Probably the most amazing masterpieces are Ukrainian eggs, or Pysanki eggs. They are decorated using a wax resist method; the elaborate designs are not painted on but written on with beeswax.

Yes, some cultures really go to town producing works of art for eggs at Easter, but when it really comes down to it I think the majority of the modern-day world lives for chocolate eggs, some masterpieces in their own right.

They are devoured one by one, children bragging about how many they consume and how much they have left to savour. And with all the different assortments, fillings and flavours, one should make the most of their Easter and choose the best eggs. After all, it is only once a year.
Our team of intrepid tasters bravely tested out a selection of the eggs on offer this year. Here’s the outcome. Just use this guide wisely and remember, never judge a book (or an egg) completely by its cover.

Tasters: Ann Ingle, Brian Rutherford, Grace McKenna, Fergal Murphy and Brian Kelly

Toblerone
Price: €8.99
Weight: 285g
Presentation: 5/10
“Big box for a cheap egg,” says Ann.
“Lazy, didn’t make use of the Toblerone shape,” remarks Grace.
Chocolate quality: 6/10
“Bland, standard, very ordinary,” says Brian.
Eggstras: Toblerone sweets
Verdict: An ordinary egg, nothing to write home about.

Celtic mint crisp
Price: €9.25
Weight: 310g
Presentation: 8/10
“Looks expensive,” says Brian R.
“I like it because it’s very Irish, good slogan too,” says Brian K.
Chocolate quality: 7/10
“You either like dark chocolate or you don’t,” remarks Grace, as Fergal bites into it and makes a shocked look of disgust. “Its nice and rich,” says Brian K.
Eggstras: Box of Irish mint chocolates.
Verdict: Great if you like dark chocolate, if however you don’t… keep your money in your wallet.

Green and black cocoa rich milk chocolate egg.
Price: €6.49
Weight: 110g
Presentation: 5/10
“Dark and depressing, what has blue got to do with Easter?” asks Ann.
Chocolate quality: 4/10
“Disgusting after-taste” says Grace. “Organic chocolate? I couldn’t give a rats. Chocolate’s chocolate!” says Fergal.
Eggstras: none.
Verdict: Safe to send to distant friends living overseas maybe, but for people you see on a regular basis… maybe not.

Butler’s Irish chocolate egg
Price: €9.95
Weight: 275g
Presentation: 5/10
“Washed out, it looks like a mutant bunny rabbit!” says Grace. “Horrible looking, sickly, anaemic,” says Fergal.
Chocolate quality: 8/10
“Quality shines through,” says Brian R. “Premium, richer,” says Brian K.
Eggstras: chocolate truffle eggs
Verdict: Despite its rather weak appearance, you can’t deny the strength of this chocolate.

Cadbury Easter Egg Delight
Price: €14.99 Euro
Weight: 487g
Presentation: 8/10
“Not your usual egg,” says Brian Rutherford. “Lovely colour, attractive pack,” Says Fergal.
Chocolate quality: 7/10
“Too sweet,” Says Grace. “Nicest so far, full of flavour, creamy,” says Brian Kelly.
Eggstras: Inside the main egg is another smaller egg, and inside this are small ‘flake’ pieces. The whole egg is sitting on a bed of ‘Mini eggs’.
Verdict: It’s the priciest and although a tad too sweet, this egg was by far the favourite with our tasters. An eggsellent result!