Oysters by Jules Morgan
We all have predilections for one type of food over the other, often saying that we ‘love’ chocolate or steak for example. These are foods that we consciously enjoy eating and thus doing so is pleasurable to us. But there is a deeper connection between pleasure and the primal need associated with eating; over time and across cultures, some foods have been associated with the sensual via folklore, superstition and mythology – leading them to becoming known as aphrodisiacs. Some merely because of their aroma, shape or colour, but there are also foods that contain a chemical basis for their aphrodisiac reputation – containing properties that can stimulate pleasure zones of the brain. Whether they enhance amorous feelings and can actually cause arousal has oft been debated, but we’d like to present some more of the more commonly touted ‘Foods of Love’ following on from part one of this article.
Basil
This aromatic herb has a centuries old reputation for boosting fertility and sex drive. The scent reportedly drove Roman men wild, so women would dust their breasts with a dried and powdered mixture! Basil leaves do contain a variety of libido boosting nutrients however as it is a source of beta carotene, vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium which help to promote circulation and enhance general well-being.
Cardamom
A distinct, aromatic spice deemed an effective aphrodisiac by many eastern cultures who would also use it to treat impotence. It is actually high in the essential oil cineole, which when applied, can increase blood flow to certain areas of the body…
Liquorice
Really does have a ‘love it or loath it’ Marmite appeal – taken to the extreme in ancient China where they used it to enhance lust and virility. There is something to it though; the Smell & Taste Treatment & Research Foundation in Chicago conducted a recent study where they looked at how different odours stimulated sexual arousal and found that black liquorice increased blood flow to the penis by 13%!
Oysters
Another divisive dish are oysters and again it was the Romans that made the connection in the second century AD to their aphrodisiac qualities, noting that they improved male sexual potency. They do contain high levels of zinc, D-aspartic acid and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) compounds that can effect sex hormone production in both men and women
Truffles
That brings us to truffles – also found to be high in testosterone and zinc and very beneficial to the male reproductive system. No, not the chocolate kind, but the subterranean funghi type that grow underground in certain areas of the world. Pigs were traditionally used to sniff them out but dogs have almost replaced them as canines don’t like the taste of truffles while a pig will quite happily scoff them (in one expensive gulp) The pigs are better natural ‘trufflers’ however, due to interpreting the distinctive scent that they give off to another pigs pheromones!
Farewell to Food of Love February
We’ve really discovered a whole lotta’ loving on this sensual journey exploring amorous foods, locations and romantic links to honey. All at Team Plan Bee would like to thank Scotland of Food & Drink for a month long date with us for February in 2015 – The Year of Food & Drink.
