Numerous everyday ingredients have aphrodisiac qualities, so if you have ever started to feel sexy while chopping onion, read on to discover why…
1 Pomegranate
The first ever pomegranate tree was said to have been planted by Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and science backs up mythical claims of the power of this decadent fruit. A study in The International Journal of Impotence Research found a daily dose of pomegranate juice improved erectile dysfunction, while research from Queen Margaret University in England showed the fruit raises testosterone levels in both men and women.
Try these show-stopping pistachio and pomegranate cakes or sip on these tart and tangy pomegranate caipiroskas.
Try these pomegranate caipiroskas for a Valentine’s Day tipple.
2 Dates
These sticky, sweet fruits are rich in amino acids, which are known to increase sexual stamina. Their high levels of estradiol and flavonoid both increase sperm count and aid mobility. According to nutritionist Toyin Adeola, dates improve the production of sex hormones. “Dates contain many vitamins and minerals which are essential to boost sexual power, even in older persons,” she says.
Serve a classic sticky date pudding for dessert, or impress your significant other with these chocolate crowned sticky date cakes.
These chocolate crowned sticky date cakes are the perfect sweet finale.
3 Pine nuts
A popular ingredient in salads and pesto, pine nuts have been recognised as an aphrodisiac since medieval days – and historically have been used in love potions. They are high in zinc, which helps boost testosterone – and therefore sex drive.
Put pine nut-ladened pesto to good use in this pesto lamb salad.
This pesto-packed dish is sure to go down a treat.
4 Aioli
While the whiff of garlic isn’t especially romantic, eating foods containing garlic gives you allicin which increases blood flow, leading to improved sexual energy.
Make your own aioli and serve alongside deep-fried treats like these cheesy beignets.
These beignets are the perfect partner for aioli.
5 Honey
Eating some honey with your honey will load the two of you up with B vitamins. These support the production of both testosterone and estrogen, which are key for sexual desire.
Start your Valentine’s Day with these ricotta and honey pikelets, or end the night with this decadent mascarpone and lemon baked cheesecake.
These ricotta and honey pikelets are just what cupid ordered!
6 Onion
It’s not the sexiest of vegetables, but according to Californian sex expert and yogi Psalm Isadora, onions boost libido by strengthening reproductive organs and also increasing testosterone. “In Ayurveda (a form of Indian medicine), it’s known as a tonic for building sexual energy,” she says. There aren’t many savoury recipes in this issue which don’t include onion, so get cooking!
Add a sophisticated edge to onions with these caramelised onion and goat’s cheese quiches.
Add onions to the Valentine’s Day menu with these quiches.
This first appeared in Food magazine.
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