Love food
February is the month of love. People all around the globe celebrate valentines’ days with flowers, chocolates, champagne and maybe a meal out.
So what food gets you in the mood for romance? Here are ten things to serve up that may just help that sparkle in the eye…
Strawberries
The heart-shaped strawberry was once known as a symbol of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and in the French countryside, there’s an ancient tradition of serving newlyweds cold strawberry soup to help promote honeymoon romance. Everything about them is lovely. And their beautiful colour, sweet flavour and heart like shape make them the perfect treat. Dip them in chocolate for a little indulgence or serve them like we do, in vintage tea cups with lots of fresh whipped cream.
Avocado
Rich in flavour and a wonderful shape, this fabulous fruit has been touted as an aphrodisiac since the Aztec times and Catholic Spanish priests found avocados so sexy, the forbade their parishioners to eat them. If that wasn’t enough for you, the high levels of vitamin E contained in the fruit help your skin maintain a youthful appearance and boost your immune system meaning you look (and feel) great. Make your own guacamole for an inviting dip or serve up poached eggs with smashed avocados as a romantic breakfast in bed.
Figs
Not only do figs look the part, but as they’re high in amino acids (which boost sexual stamina and increase libido). They are also thought to be a stimulant. And, as they are rich in potassium too, it’s not a wonder they have long been associated with love and fertility. Figs are great served on a cheese platter and we use them in a few of our Middle Eastern dishes.
Chocolate
An obvious choice, as everyone knows chocolate is good and its taste and smell arouses the senses. But did you know that dark chocolate has also been shown to cause a spike in dopamine (the feel-good hormone) which induces feelings of pleasure? Even more reason to whip out the fondue set or knock up an indulgent chocolate tart for your partner in love!
Bananas
We not going to mention the shape here, but this aphrodisiac fruit also contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that triggers testosterone production. With that, and the fact they contain potassium and vitamin B which naturally elevate energy levels, you’ll want to have these on the menu for a date with your loved one. Try chocolate baked bananas with a splash of rum to really heat things up.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is said to be one of the most effective natural aphrodisiacs available. It allows body temperature to spike and releases dopamine in your brain, increasing your appetite for everything! You can add cinnamon to many recipes and baked goodies, sprinkle it on coffee or mix it with fresh yogurt. So, treating your other half to a coffee and a cookie may be really rewarding.
Garlic
Eating garlic may make your loved one want to stay well away in bed, but if you both partake you won’t notice, and it could really stir things up. Garlic contains allicin, which is thought to increase blood flow to all the important areas. It’s great incorporated into lots of dishes so an easy thing to include in your menu. Which is good, as it is suggested you eat it for a while before you see the benefits. Try serving garlic mushrooms as a starter or garlic bread as a snack. If you’re feeling really adventurous, cook up a wonderful garlic chicken with a creamy white wine sauce.
Almonds
This age-old fertility symbol and aphrodisiac is full of good fat, protein, fibre, and immune-boosting vitamins and minerals. It’s also particularly rich in vitamin E which is a known antioxidant that’s good for heart health and, some say, sexual health. And there is some ancient belief that aroma of almond supposedly arouses passion in females. We love them tasted in salads, tossed with brussel sprouts and used in all sorts of baked goodies.
Asparagus
This one might not seem sexy because of its wee smelling qualities, but asparagus is a good source of Vitamin E, which helps in stimulating the production of sex hormones. Although we’re not convinced a couple of stalks with your main course will have much effect, this fantastic vegetable looks and tastes great however you serve it up. Try wrapping them with mozzarella and parma ham and frying lightly for an amazing starter.
Rocket
Arugula, or rocket as we call it, was a popular aphrodisiac in ancient Roman and Egyptian times. The Romans raved about its aphrodisiac qualities and it was associated with Priapus, a minor Roman god of fertility. They loved using it in love potions and believed it to be a great digestive aid. Today its natural aphrodisiac properties are downplayed, however it is packed with lots of nutrients necessary for a thriving libido and is rich in vitamins A and C, essential for sex hormone production. We love a rocket salad – it’s so versatile and adds great colour to a meal, so there is no harm in serving it as a side when you cook up that wonderful romantic dinner for two.
