In the Food for Love?
By John DiGilio in Food on Feb 8, 2011 8:40PM
Rare is the person who will readily admit that he or she needs a little help in the bedroom. Yet if we were really such outstanding lovers all of the time, the adult novelties business would not be the multi-billion dollar industry it is. Let's face it, whether it is in the warm up or the execution, we can all use a little extra "somethin' somethin'" once in awhile. Making love, for what the cliches are worth, really is like building a fire. Having a little extra kindling on hand is never a bad idea. Enough with the tacky metaphors though. This is a food column. Let's talk aphrodisiacs, folks!
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, foodies naturally turn their affections to . . . well . . . food. Caitlin's recent recipe for Steamy Mussels turned more than one shellfish lover on. The copious amounts of candy and treats in the stores, as well as the difficulty in getting good restaurant reservations this time of year, are proof that the way to the heart is through the stomachs of both sexes. Humans have been turning to food to enhance sexual desire for just about as long as we have been procreating, or at least going through the motions of procreation. Whether any of these so called aphrodisiacs actually work is open to scientific debate. But even if the effects remain entirely in the mind, no one has ever complained. Whether you eat meat or fly vegetarian, mother nature has a something tasty to add a little extra vigor to your Valentine's Day activities.
If meat is your thing, we recommend you stick to molluscs. Other fleshy delicacies such as deer penis and goat soup can be a bit difficult to find and are simply not as easily cooked. They may not be pretty to look at, but oysters and mussels with their high concentrations of zinc and amino acids have long been recommended for their aphrodisiac properties. To preserve these as well as the other nutrients they contain, it is often recommended that oysters be served raw on the half-shell. Mussels are best steamed for the very same reason. The important thing in either case is buying shellfish that are fresh and then scrutinizing them before cooking and/or serving. Nothing can dampen that loving feeling like a bad case of food poisoning!
If vegetables and fruits are up your alley, then there are plenty to choose from. Did you know that arugula is considered an aphrodisiac? It is nicknamed "rocket" for more than its shape and peppery taste. The same is true of asparagus and artichokes, though many will argue this is more a matter of the shape of these vegetables rather than the nutrients inside. For those with juicier cravings, fresh fruits such as strawberries and bananas have also been rumored to stoke the flames of desire. Again, this probably has more to do with their appearance than any magical and naturally-occuring chemicals they may contain. Then again, if they work, who cares?
Another category of aphrodisiacs worth mentioning is one without which no Valentine's Day is complete - sweets. When it comes to sex and the sweet tooth, dark chocolate is most highly prized. It is said that the ancient Aztecs and Mayans were the first to recognize the libido-stirring properties of deep, dark chocolate. Though modern scientists have yet to prove it, chocoholics around the world certainly agree. Not to mention that chocolate is far cheaper and raises fewer eyebrows at the supermarket checkout than viagra! Caramel too is said to set the mood for amour, especially creamy dulce de leche. We personally know a few people who would argue that its milky sweetness may even be better than sex. Making a dessert with both dark chocolate and caramel could very well guarantee you one of the tastiest, if not luckiest, nights of your life!
Whether you are going out or dining in this Valentine's Day, why not take out a little extra love insurance? If there is any real science behind aphrodisiacs really doesn't matter. The night is about having fun and, where food is involved, enjoying it with someone very special. If a little something extra should come about as a result of the food you share then consider it a double score on the evening. Besides, if your personal charm falls a little short then what is the harm in having a bite or two on hand to seal the deal?