Everyone knows that chocolate, strawberries, champagne and even oysters represent the foods of love, but what about actual ingredients that get our pulses and hearts racing? For a truly sensuous dish that will have the desired effect on a loved one, try cooking up something using the following ingredients…
Lavender
Flowers are not only romantic when given as gifts, but can often be used in recipes as well. Lavender is a favourite of the floral world and the delicate edible flower is also a popular ingredient used by famous chef, Jamie Oliver. Used in desserts such as cookies, cakes and Jamie’s personal favourite, lavender crème brûlèe. Just remember, when cooking with lavender, a little goes a long way.
Mustard
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire, the spicy and intense flavour of mustard is credited with causing a rise in adrenalin and increases the circulation of blood to the nerves around the body, making the skin more sensitive.
Basil
Considered by the Greeks as their ‘royal herb’, basil is said to create a sense of well-being for the body and mind. For women attempting to get pregnant - sweet basil not only stimulates sex drive but boosts fertility as well.
Nutmeg
Ancient Chinese women prized the seeds as aphrodisiacs that help increase a woman’s libido, but recent studies have also shown that it has a stimulating effect on men and has been used to combat male sexual disorders. The seed has been embraced by cultures around the world for its more sensual qualities as it stimulates body heat and sweetens breath.
Liquorice
Used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, liquorice is said to enhance love and lust and is particularly stimulating to women. Liquorice optimises hormone levels in adrenal glands that regulate stress levels, directly combating low energy levels and poor sexual response.
"Mustard. Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire, the spicy and increase flavour of mustard is credited with causing a rise in adrenalin."
Chilli
Proven to get the heart racing, adding heat to your meal can heat up your love life. Containing a substance called capsaicin that releases endorphins, chilli gives the body a temporary high. The physiological effects of eating chilli such as a raised heart rate and sweating are the same physical reactions as a hot night with a lover, making the meal a more sensual experience.
Vanilla
Recommended by physicians and alchemists for hundreds of years, when drunk by men to ensure male potency, the flavour of vanilla is believed to arouse sexual desires and boost sexual libido. The scent of vanilla is also potent in arousing the senses. Before vanilla even hits the tongue, the hypothalamus (the gland that controls memory and emotion) evokes feelings associated with the powerful scent.
Fennel
A natural source of oestrogens, the use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to ancient Egypt where it was used to enhance libido. Added to a romantic dinner, fennel can put you in the mood for love.
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