With Valentine’s Day coming up, let’s look at some classic aphrodisiac foods that are said to arouse the senses in the most romantic of ways.
Oysters are usually the first thing that comes to mind if we are talking aphrodisiacs. Their soft, sensual texture is part of the appeal, but also their briny scent is similar to the scent of human pheromones – those scents of attraction that our bodies respond to subconsciously.
Truffles have a musky scent that is enticing to women as it echoes male pheromones and they are also said to increase testosterone production in men. In fact, Napoleon ate them regularly to boost his potency.
Cheese, with its earthy aromas and luxurious mouthfeel is a feast for the senses but, from a scientific perspective, it also contains, a natural amphetamine (phenylethylamine) that the brain produces in response to the feelings of love. In fact, cheese contains ten times more of this substance than chocolate. No wonder cheese is a good mood food!
Figs are the original forbidden fruit with an exotic fleshy centre that evokes desire, due to their resemblance to certain female body parts, but was also much prized by the Ancient Greeks as the many seeds were equated with fertility. Modern science tells us that the high mineral content in figs is indeed useful for boosting fertility in both men and women.
Chocolate has very sensual qualities due to it’s amazing melting properties on the tongue but it also, due to its mood boosting chemicals, phenylethylamine and serotonin, has been shown to raise the libido, particularly in women who eat it daily!
Champagne, of all the alcoholic drinks, is probably the most romantic as the bubbles of carbon dioxide makes the alcohol hit the bloodstream quicker, leading to that giddy feeling. It was Marilyn Monroe’s favourite drink!
Dinner for Two
One of the loveliest ways to show your Valentine you care is to cook them a meal, especially one that you can share together.
Below is my ultimate Valentine’s menu, starting with G&T oysters that can be dressed just before serving while you sip a glass of champagne.
Then, a restaurant-standard warm duck salad made with luxurious ingredients such as duck, figs and brie. If you like, you can cook the duck ahead and serve it a room temperature.
And to finish, it has to be a chocolate dessert, and my Chocolate Velvet Cake can be made the day before, ready to slice and serve decorated with juicy red raspberries.
This menu is very easy to prepare, which means you won’t have to spend much time in the kitchen as I’m sure you have better things to do on Valentine’s day!
Love and hugs to you
XOXO
Photography (Duck and Cake) by Louis Petruccelli
Recipe and Styling by Naomi Crisante