There’s nothing like aphrodisiacs for a Valentine’s Day dinner to get you ‘in the mood’ or an instant pick me up for a headache. Here are five natural aphrodisiacs to add to your Valentine’s Day recipes.
Oysters
Casanova, the 18th century lover who boasted of his sexual prowess used to breakfast on 50 oysters. This theory has been has been vindicated by a study in 2005 that proves they really are aphrodisiacs. A team of US and Italian researchers analysed bivalve molluscs – a group of shellfish that includes oysters, mussels and clams – and found they were rich in rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. Research shows raw oysters are best so serve as an entree for your Valentine’s Day dinner.
Chillies
Chillies are well known for being an aphrodisiac simply for the way they make you feel. You eat a chilli and instantly feel hot and bothered and the same applies for curries and other spicy food. Chillies contain capsaicin, a substance that can bring on a temporary high and helps stimulate circulation and is also thought to release endorphins. It is said that the “heat” in garlic also stirs sexual desires. Chillies are ideal in sauces, curries and salads to add a bit of spice both to your Valentine’s Day culinary dish and to the bedroom apparently.
Avocado
Over many centuries the avocado has maintained its reputation as an aphrodisiac. The Aztecs called the avocado tree “ahuacuati” meaning “testicle tree,” as they thought a pair hanging from a tree resembles a man’s testicles. This is most likely a reference to the shape of the fruit; among the Aztecs, avocados were believed to confer fertility and have aphrodisiac properties. Add avocado to a lush summer salad, pureed in soups or chopped into the perfect bowl of fresh guacamole and try to serve it as part of your Valentine’s Day meal without blushing.
Chocolate
Not that there needs to be a reason to indulge in chocolate but the connection between chocolate and romance is believed to be more than a marketing gimmick. It was originally found in the South American rainforests. The Mayan civilizations worshipped the Cacao tree and called it “food of the gods. Chocolate is a source of quick energy and has been known to elevate people’s moods and has more antioxidants in chocolate than in red wine. Use chocolate in your desert as the end to a perfect Valentine’s Day meal.
Wine
Wine is said to be an aphrodisiac and can greatly enhance a romantic interlude as the liquid gold relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. The actual drinking of wine can be an erotic experience. Moderate amounts of wine are believed to “arouse,” but excessive alcohol will make you drowsy and force you to put your romantic evening on hold. Wine can be used in sauces, marinades or enhance the flavour of food dishes, such as meat, poultry, seafood, stew, and vegetables while they are being cooked and is a perfect accompaniment to any Valentine’s Day meal.
The jury is out as to whether most aphrodisiacs work or they are just myths or common fallacy. Whatever the truth is, have fun experimenting with different aphrodisiacs in out of the kitchen and use them in your Valentine’s Day recipes to add a bit of fun and frivolity to your Valentine’s Day dinner.