Much like the Greek goddess of love and desire, Aphrodite, from which aphrodisiacs derive their name, these foods purported to arouse and increase sexual desire are rooted in myth. “According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the reputed sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based in folklore, not fact. In 1989, the agency declared that there is no scientific proof that any over-the-counter aphrodisiacs work to treat sexual dysfunction,” says an article by Tamar Nordenberg from the official website for the FDA. The fact of the matter is that the mind is the most powerful aphrodisiac there is. One of the reasons that it is difficult to invalidate the aphrodisiac myth once and for all is because when you consume something in the hopes of detecting a sexual response, you’re still thinking about sex, which generally leads to arousal. Blame it on the oysters all you want, but that slimy bivalve is not what’s turning you on, your mind is.
Although aphrodisiacs have not found their place in modern science laboratories, the 5,000 year history of man’s belief in the ability to improve sexual performance through food have led to some interesting theories. The Cambridge World History of Food explains that the popular oyster hypothesis is actually derived from Roman history dating back to the second century A.D. in a satire by Juvenile in which he described “the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating giant oysters.” It is also presumed that the oyster’s likeness to the female genitals assist in its view as a sexual aid. In fact, the oyster is not the only food identified as an aphrodisiac because of its similarity to particular parts of human anatomy. HungryMonster.com’s food facts explain that the avocado, a lesser known aphrodisiac, gets its name from what the Aztecs called the avocado tree, “Ahuacuatl,” which literally translates to, “testicle tree.” Because of the way the avocado fruits hang in pairs on the tree resembling male testicles, the obvious allusion to sex is called to mind.
Spicy foods, like Chiles, curries, etcetera, have long been described as love aids to spice up a little bedroom action. However, think for a moment about physiological effects of eating spicy Thai food and the physical reactions associated with sexual arousal – an increased heart rate, flushed cheeks, and even sweating. While the reactions are certainly comparable, it would be quite difficult to establish causation between Taco Bell’s fiery Tabasco sauce and the undeniable desire to throw your lover onto the bed.
Eating makes you feel full, fulfilled, satisfied, and happy. No one is attempting to refute the fact that sharing a meal can be an extremely sensual experience. However, I’ll let you in on a secret; unless there is a string of pearls in those oysters, the slimy raw seafood isn’t what’s turning your dining partner on. If you’re in the mood for a sexy meal, it doesn’t really matter what you’re putting in your stomach. Strawberries, raspberries, Twizzlers, and lollipops, for that matter, are sexy because they draw attention to your mouth, your lips, your tongue… Slowly, seductively, sipping wine heightens your senses, relaxes your body, and enhances the flavor and mood of a good meal. Chocolate and coffee delight the taste buds and will also provide a little additional energy from the caffeine they contain.
Food is sexy. Confidence is sexy. If you need to believe that there is just a little something extra in that arugula and asparagus salad you’re choking down in hopes of noticing a more virile bedroom performance, by all means, don’t let the FDA’s findings quash your hard and fast belief in the Viagra-like effects of these vegetables. However, allow me to suggest a slightly more sexy meal for two to lie out on the table.
Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad
Ingredients:
4 ripe tomatoes (they’re ready to eat when they’re red and firm)
Approx. 30 leaves of fresh Basil (produce section)
6 oz. fresh mozzarella (check the specialty cheeses section – the salad loses something if you try to use Kraft shredded mozzarella)
4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste
This salad is really simple and delicious. You can play around with the proportions of ingredients to really make this appetizer your own. Simply slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls and combine the remaining ingredients in a salad bowl.
Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes a la Maureen
Ingredients:
8 oz. package of pasta – preferably penne
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp water
2 cups of fresh basil leaves (stems removed!)
1+ clove of chopped garlic to taste
1/4 cup pine nuts (generally located in the produce section)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (best if fresh, but cheaper if it’s from a canister)
1/2 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes (located in the produce section)
Instructions:
Boil a large pot of water and add a pinch of salt to get the water really bubbling. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until tender. Drain the pasta and place in a large mixing bowl.
Meanwhile, while you’re waiting for the pasta to cook, combine the oil, water, basil, garlic, pine nuts, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese in a blender and puree until just smooth.
Toss the pesto with the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Chocolate-dipped Fruit
Ingredients:
1 cup (8oz.) dark or milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
2-3 tsp. Grand Marnier
Your favorite fruits for dipping (strawberries, cherries, raspberries…)
Instructions:
Gently (not on high heat) melt chocolate and cream in the microwave. This generally takes several minutes and you must take the bowl out to stir it every 45 seconds. The recipe is ruined if the chocolate tastes burned.
After the chocolate melts, stir in the Grand Marnier and dip your choice fruits – it’s okay if this part gets a little messy – that’s half the fun!
Spare your lover a seemingly sexy dinner of alleged aphrodisiacs like Spanish fly and fish eggs, and take it back to basics. Relax, have fun in the kitchen, and let you and your paramour make the evening hot – not the Chile con carne on the stove.
