OT: Happy Valentine's Day! Aphrodisiac Foods

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Aphrodisiac Foods

 

Aniseed

 

A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used

as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed

aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases

your desire.

 

Asparagus

 

Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an

aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a

sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests " eating

asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect " .

 

Almond

 

A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to

induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in

the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.

 

Arugula

 

Arugula or " rocket " seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since

the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid

bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios.

Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

 

Avocado

 

The Aztecs called the avocado tree " Ahuacuatl which translated

means " testicle tree " . The ancients thought the fruit hanging in

pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a

delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a

small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

 

Bananas

 

The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially

responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An

Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to

the " Apple " they started covering their " nudity " with banana leaves

rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in

potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

 

Basil (sweet basil)

 

Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also

said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

 

Chocolate

 

The Aztecs referred to chocolate " nourishment of the Gods " . Chocolate

contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain

and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate

contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red

wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two. Try a glass of

Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat or let us

temp you with our recipe for Chocolate Espresso Pots de creme.

 

Carrots

 

Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the

male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation

since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to

aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a

justification for a piece of carrot cake?

 

Coffee

 

Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it

becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in

special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and

the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an " all-nighter " .

 

Coriander (Cilantro seed)

 

The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had

been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that

included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history

of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro

was also know to be used as an " appetite " stimulant.

 

Figs

 

An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and

traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a

fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act.

Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done

in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!

 

Garlic

 

The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you

and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for

centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments.

This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy a pasta with a lightly

garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the bedroom

later.

 

Ginger

 

Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the

circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can

stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.

 

Honey

 

Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures

for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners

with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on

their " Honeymoon " drank mead and it was thought to s " sweeten " the

marriage.

 

Liquorice (licorice)

 

The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient

times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan,

glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of

licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly

stimulating to woman.

 

Mustard

 

Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare

a tenderloin roast (filet mignon) for two with a mustard and

peppercorn 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 soup can help spice up your

evening.

 

Oysters

 

Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the

second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described

the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating " giant

oysters " . An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles

the " female " genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and

high in protein.

 

Pine Nuts

 

Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine

nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the

libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a

dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.

 

Pineapple

 

Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for

impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an

evening of passion.

 

Raspberries and Strawberries

 

Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. " Both invite love and are

described in erotic literature as fruit nipples " Both are high in

vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

 

Truffles

 

The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an

aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the

skin to touch.

 

Vanilla

 

The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust.

According to the Australian Orchid Society, " Old Totonac lore has it

that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess,

loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature,

she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and

happiness. " Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla

bean for a heady, bubbly treat.

 

Wine

 

A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude.

Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be

an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the

liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your lips. Do remember

that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner

romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to " arouse " but

much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

 

Enjoy!

Michelle

http://www.holisticmenopause.com