Now that we’re into February, Valentines Day is only 10 days away and of course, that got us thinking: Culinary aphrodisiacs!
A lot has been written on the subject but we have a new spin and would like to invite you to think about them in a different way than you might typically otherwise do. Rather than think of one or two things that you could serve your love on this special holiday, how about an entire meal? We’ve made it as easy as possible for you by doing a bit of our own research and grouping them into 5 central food groups.
- Beverages
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Proteins & Nuts
- Spices
- Sweets
If you can work one of each of these into your Valentines Day dinner, you’ll have a well balanced, unique and highly effective recipe for romance! And likely, success in the kitchen! Win Win!
Culinary Aphrodisiacs #1: Beverages
Evidently romance abounds all day long when it comes to drinks. Start the day off with a stimulant (i.e. coffee), refresh in the afternoon with coconut water and get a buzz, err, glow by sipping some red wine with dinner in the evening. All of these beverages will alert your senses, prep your muscles and relax your mind so you’re ready for some serious Valentines Day action.
Culinary Aphrodisiacs #2: Fruits
Don’t just leave it at coffee come breakfast time, vamp that early morning meal up with fruit! Bananas, figs, strawberries, pomegranate, mangoes, avocado, cherries and even fresh pineapple are said to get the libido running. While some are included because of their *cough* sexy shape, others are about color (red of course!) and still others for the effects they have on the brain and bodily senses.
Culinary Aphrodisiacs #3: Vegetables
Lunch time? Maybe you need a side for that romantic dinner? Keep your lovin’ engine ready by chowing down on ingredients like asparagus, chili peppers, arugula, artichokes, celery, indulgent truffles and even garlic (just make sure you both eat some of this).
Culinary Aphrodisiacs #4: Proteins & Nuts
The main course. So important to any meal – especially when you want to woo somebody. Oysters are a given here with their smooth, sultry texture and positive effects on the brain. But did you know caviar, pine-nuts and almonds are too? Increase your desire – or that of your partners – by adding a handful of these proteins and nuts into your meal.
Culinary Aphrodisiacs #5: Spices
Of course, no meal would be complete without the proper seasonings. Salt and pepper are a given in any chef’s kitchen. But what if you wanna turn the heat notch up? The experts recommend honey, chili powder, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, coriander, aniseed and basil – all of which reduce stress, increase blood flow, encourage healing and positively affect neurotransmitters in the brain.
Culinary Aphrodisiacs #6: Sweets
Last but not least, the sweets for your sweet. It’s no secret that chocolate is good for everybody (except maybe those with an allergy to chocolate), but you can also increase the romance quotient by adding whipping cream, fruit or even caramel. Sweets literally have a bio-chemical reaction in our bodies which make us feel good – just like love. There’s a reason we typically give chocolate as a present on this holiday, but now you have a list of a ton of ingredients you can use to create your own signature romantic meal!
How many of these ingredients can you include in one meal? How would you combine them? Get creative in your kitchen this Valentines Day! What are some other culinary aphrodisiacs you know of? Tried, tested and true or just by hearsay? Comment below or visit us on the Facebook Page and let us know!
