Surefoire Valentine Seduction

With Valentine’s Day hot on the horizon, many of us will be racking our brains for the ultimate in amorous edibles, guaranteed to stimulate those flagging winter-weary, poverty-stricken senses.

As a professional hotel and restaurant inspector, I spend much of my life eating out, and whilst I love the day job with a passion, nothing is guaranteed to get me in the mood for a romantic liaison more than a home cooked meal lovingly prepared, just for me.


What you eat directly influences your body and your bodily functions, and aphrodisiacs were originally intended to stimulate by arousing sexual excitement. Procreation was once an important moral and religious issue and the use of aphrodisiacs was intended to ensure both male and female potency, improving inadequate performance and increasing fertility.

One of the key issues is nutrition, as under nourishment creates a loss of libido and reduces fertility rates. Foods that naturally represent "seed or semen" are considered inherently to have sexual powers, and others stimulate by their "physical resemblance to genitalia".


Lucky for all of us there’s plenty to be had in a wide range of foods readily available. With this in mind, and wanting to gain maximum advantage in the wooing stakes, here is my suggestion for the ultimate erotic banquet, in which all the ingredients are designed to release those inhibitions and evoke the ‘Love Goddess’ Aphrodite.


If all else fails – then take her out for dinner, but be sure to stay away from carbohydrates, which induce sluggishness, along with dill, lettuce and watercress, which are all said to be an-aphrodisiacs, and produce the opposite effect!

Caviar topped Oysters
 Zinc, found in Caviar and Oysters, stimulates the formation of testosterone, helps to produce sperm and increases libido. Oysters also resemble the "female" genitals, are very nutritious and high in protein.

* Avocado and Rocket Salad with Toasted Almonds Coriander & Pomegranate Dressing
The Aztecs called the avocado ahuacuatl, or "testicle tree" as the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled testicles. Catholic priests found it obscenely sexual and forbade it. It is rich with folic acid, vitamin B6 and potassium, which boost the immune system. Rocket has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. Throughout antiquity, almonds were regarded as fertility symbols and the aroma of almond is said to arouse passion in females. 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, which is also known as an "appetite" stimulant. The pomegranate owes its passion power to antioxidants, which protect the lining of blood vessels, allowing more blood to course through them, resulting in increased genital sensitivity.

* Roasted Salmon with a Spicy Ginger Pesto Crust (ginger; basil; pine nuts; garlic; chilli)
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which keep sex-hormone production at its peak. Ginger is a circulatory system stimulant said to increase sexual powers and desire. Basil boosts circulation, which has an aphrodisiac effect in stimulating sex drive and increasing fertility. The scent is said to drive men wild – so much so that women would dust their breasts with dried, powdered basil. Garlic is full of allicin, which increases blood flow; and the 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Pine nuts are rich in zinc and have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Capsaicin, found in chillies, increases circulation to get blood pumping and stimulates nerve endings so you'll feel more turned on.

Sautéed Asparagus, Fennel & Celery
Asparagus is a key source of potassium, fibre, vitamins B6, A and C, thiamin and folic acid. The latter is said to boost histamine, necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes. Culpepper wrote, “asparagus stirs up lust in man and woman" and in 19thC France bridegrooms were served three courses of it at their prenuptial dinners. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect". Fennel is a source of natural plant estrogens and its use as a "libido enhancement" dates back to Egyptian times. Celery contains androsterone, a hormone that it is believed to attract females when secreted through sweat.

* Caramelised Bananas & Pineapple with Nutmeg, Vanilla & Honey
 Its sexual shape is obvious, but the banana is loaded with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins as well as chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzyme, said to enhance the male libido and aid sex hormone production. They also provide instant, long-lasting energy – to give you staying power and are excellent at regulating blood pressure, too which can help with erectile disfunction. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and is used in homeopathic treatment for impotence. Vanilla mildly stimulates nerves, making sexual sensations feel even better. The scent and flavour is believed to increase lust. Myth has it that the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess unable to marry due to her divine nature, transformed herself into a plant to provide pleasure and happiness." Honey is a great source of the mineral boron, that helps the body use and metabolise oestrogen. It also contains B vitamins, good for testosterone. In Egyptian times it was used as a cure for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, and honeymooners drank mead to "sweeten" the marriage. Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac; in quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect.

* Baked Figs Stuffed with Dark Chocolate
Figs have long been thought of as arousing stimulants; an open fig is believed to emulate the female sex organs. They are reported to be Cleopatra’s favourite fruit, and ancient Greeks held them as sacred, associating them with love and fertility. Chocolate is the king of natural aphrodisiacs and contains anandamide, the psyochoactive feel-good chemical, and PEA (phenylethylamine), the "love chemical," which releases dopamine in the pleasure centres of the brain and peaks during orgasm. PEA is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. Cacao also contains tryptophan, a key component of serotonin, known to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.

* Red Wine – Saint-Amour Beaujolais Cru
Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps boost blood flow and improves circulation before and during intercourse. Saint Amour is made from 100% Gamay; it is a fruity red wine with an aroma reminiscent of peonies, roses, plums, and cooked peaches, along with cumin and cinnamon. It goes brilliantly with salmon.