Aphrodisiac Foods - Romantic Secrets & Recipes

Throughout history, certain foods have developed a reputation for being aphrodisiacs. The first records were by the ancient Greeks in the first century, and later, Paul of Aegina gave credence to foods and their powers in the seventh century. Despite long-standing and popular interest in aphrodisiacs, almost no scientific studies have been made. Whether the powers of these foods is folklore or fact is still being disputed - we will let you be the judge!

Aphrodisiacs or not… everyone agrees the best way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach, so we’ve included mouthwatering recipes to incorporate these aphrodisiac foods that are sure to please and impress your lover!

Foods – With Aphrodisiac Powers

Asparagus

Perhaps due in part to it’s phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. The Vegetarian Society suggests that for the most powerful effect, it should be eaten for three days. A great recipe with asparagus is Opulent Asparagus. This recipe also has almonds, for a double boost of aphrodisiac power!

Almonds

These nuts have been a symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma of the almond is thought to arouse the feelings of passion in a woman. Green Bean Almandine may be a good veggie option for you!

Avocados

Ancient civilizations thought the avocados hanging in pairs on the tree resembled male testicles, and as a result, it developed the reputation as a sensuous food. Try the marinated broccoli and avocado salad! The creamy avocado in this recipe makes it a fabulous aphrodisiac option! Or maybe you want to start your evening off with chunky guacamole, it will do the same trick!

Basil

Basil is a spice that is used as a flavoring in many dishes. It is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. According to some experts, it also creates a general sense of well being for both the mind and the body. Serve a warm bowl of cauliflower soup with pesto either as an entree for a light late-night meal, or as a first course to a special romantic dinner. Another dinner option is fettuccine, shrimp, tomatoes and basil

Bananas

Whether bananas made the list due to the phallic shape of the banana flower, or the more practical reasons that they are rich in potassium and B vitamins which are necessities for sex hormone production, the banana has long been considered as an aphrodisiac food. Nothing is better than a warm buttery slice of banana bread fresh out of the oven on a lazy Saturday morning. For an impressive ending to a romantic dinner, consider Bananas Foster served over a dish of homemade ice cream.

Chocolates

The Aztecs referred to chocolate as the “nourishment of the Gods”. People have loved chocolate throughout the centuries. Recent research is suggesting that chocolate contains chemicals that affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. Research may be backing up the power of this aphrodisiac food! Tempt your lover with a recipe for chocolate cream pie or German chocolate cake.

Carrots

Carrots were used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid in seduction. They are believed to be a stimulant especially potent to the male. They are high in vitamins and beta-carotene for sure, and this could be all the justification you need to enjoy a piece of spicy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Another option is to serve carrots with you entree, a couple favorite carrot recipes are ginger carrots, and carrots vichytan.

Garlic

This spice is known to stir sexual desires, just make sure that you and your partner share it together. As long as you both enjoy it, you will not notice it on each others breath! Enjoy our chicken parmesan recipe served with a tossed salad and garlic dressing topped with plenty of garlic and oregano croutons, and it may lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.

Ginger

Ginger root has been scientifically proven to be a stimulant to the circulatory system. If you are wanting to add some spice to your romantic evening, Serve gingersnap cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.

Honey

In medieval times, lovers on their "honeymoon" drank mead (a fermented drink made from honey) in order to "sweeten" the marriage. In Egyptian times, cures for sterility and impotence were based on honey. Sweeten a slice of honey whole wheat bread with some fresh honey to get your day off to a sweet start.

Licorice

The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust, and is particularly stimulating to woman.

Mustard

Mustard is believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a herbed standing rib roast, and serve with spinach and a honey mustard dressing. Another entree option packed in aphrodisiac foods is mustard chicken. Another great mustard option is the the broccoli spears with Dijon sauce.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity, nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin brownies with caramel sauce can help spice up your evening as could a whipped cream topped slice of pumpkin pie!

Oysters

Oysters were first documented as an aphrodisiac food by the Romans early in the second century. It has been suggested that this was due in part because they felt they resembled the "female" genitals. In reality, oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein. Snuggle up to a bowl of oyster and brie champagne soup as a first course to a long evening of pleasure.

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are rich in zinc, and zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.

Pineapple

Pineapples are used as a homeopathic treatment for impotence and are packed with vitamin C. Add a pineapple spear to any sweet drink (especially rum based) for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion. A fresh salad option with both bananas and pineapples for a double punch of romance is the frosted seven-up salad. Consider serving this with your dinner!

Raspberries and Strawberries

Both of these berries are thought to invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples. Dipped in either a rich dark chocolate, or a creamy milk chocolate, these are perfect for hand feeding your lover. Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert. The Raspberry Delight can be made ahead and frozen. Just slice and serve when the need arises! Another great option is a fresh strawberry pie.

Truffles

Both the Greeks and the Romans considered the truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate the senses and sensitize the skin to touch.

Vanilla

The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. Serve a bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream and watch your lover melt.

Wine

A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Relax together with a glass of wine before enjoying veal in wine sauce, or curl up to hot mulled wine on a cold winter day.