What's Your Recipe for Passion?
These Aphrodisiac Foods Can Help You on Your Way.
Lavender and pumpkin pie? Avocado and cloves? This Valentine's Day, forget the flowers, and put some REAL spice in your love life with a classic aphrodisiac from the culinary world.
In fact, there are hundreds of edibles legendary for their power to increase one's ardor. Oysters on the half shell are reputed to be one of the world sexiest foods, and are famous for being one of the oldest aphrodisiacs. As stories go, Casanova himself ate 50 raw oysters for breakfast every morning. In truth, the aphrodisiac power of the oyster may come more from the world of nutrition than from the bedroom – in ancient days, the high zinc content helped those who were malnourished feel more energetic, leading to an increase in overall health and in sex drive.
Chocolate is another ingredient known for its potent love power. Besides having a sensuous scent and a luxurious texture, it contains a chemical stimulant similar to a substance the brain releases during orgasm (Apparently, the Hershey's people knew what they were doing when they made those little chocolate kisses). And, it's more than just the alcohol in wine and champagne that produces those lightheaded feelings of love. Grapes have been known for their aphrodisiac effects since the time of the Roman Empire. Just don't over do it on the bubbly- since alcohol is a depressant, one glass too many can counteract the grapes amorous affects and put you and your partner straight to sleep instead.
In addition to oysters, chocolate, and champagne there are some lesser-known foods that stimulate more than just the taste buds. Chili peppers and other spicy foods awake the senses and increase the flow of blood through the body, emulating the natural sweat and flushed cheeks that usually accompany passion. Clove is noted as one of the most powerful natural aphrodisiacs since it evokes that same physiological reaction.
Vegetables such as celery and asparagus are considered aphrodisiacs thanks to their shape, and unfortunately, because of their slightly diuretic nature (I guess anything that has an usual effect below the belt line counts!). Avocados and bananas are also plentifully suggestive in appearance, but more importantly, they enhance romance by contributing essential nutrients that help the body manufacture sex hormones. Herbs such as ginseng have been used in the Far East to promote fertility and increase sex drive, since they can have a dramatic effect on the animals that ingest them. It is purported, too, that the heady scent and flavor of the vanilla bean can drive creatures wild, particularly females. According to studies in aromatherapy however, the most stimulating scent for the human female are a combination of black licorice and cucumber. The number one stimulating scent for men? Bakers beware…a combination of the essences of lavender and pumpkin pie produced the most dramatic effects.
So whether you plan to pile on the oysters or simply stir up some passion with a plate of poached asparagus, have fun with your food this Valentine's Day. Perhaps you'll discover a new fabulous flavor that's sure to put romance on the menu.
Amanda Dobbs, Copyright 2004
Information and Additional web resources: GourmetSlueth, WebMD, Brainerd Dispatch, Star Chefs.
