Best aphrodisiac foods to spark romance for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day celebrations focus on romance. What are the best aphrodisiac foods to get your Valentine in the romantic mood?
With the table set and the candles lit, only one thing missing is the food. On Valentine’s Day, romance is on everyone’s mind. For many people, the food should set that romantic tone. The best aphrodisiac foods are some well-known choices and a few less obvious choices.
Which of these best aphrodisiac foods will end up on your Valentine’s Day table?
(Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
Oysters
Oysters and romantic dinners are a popular pairing. Some people serve them on Valentine’s Day because they are seductive to eat. This luxury item wasn’t always a special occasion food. Previously, oysters were a working man’s food. Today, they are considered a delicacy by many people.
One of the reasons that oysters are eaten around Valentine’s Day is because they are high in zinc. Zinc helps to boost testosterone. Who wouldn’t want a little boost on the most romantic day of the year?
(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for PFLAG)
Chocolate
For many people, chocolate is more than just a guilty pleasure. Dark chocolate is said to release more endorphins. Endorphins make people feel good. Who doesn’t feel good after eating a delicious piece of chocolate?
History shows that chocolate is tied to the goddess of fertility. Cassanova is said to eat dark chocolate before his romantic rendezvous. Whether you’re serving chocolate on its own, chocolate covered strawberries or a decadent chocolate cake, chocolate is a definite must for Valentine’s Day.
(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Chili peppers
Some people like spice and heat in their food. While it isn’t a common choice, chili peppers are a good choice for Valentine’s Day best aphrodisiac foods. Similar to chocolate, chili peppers tells the brain to release endorphins. Also, the spice helps to stimulate heart rates. All good things for a romantic evening.
Before adding chili peppers to the Valentine’s Day menu, make sure that everyone enjoys spicy foods or know her spice tolerance. Sometimes just a subtle chili pepper note can be all that is needed. Maybe add the spice to a steak rub or season the asparagus with it. Just don’t turn the meal into a fire bomb.
Chocolate fig bundt cake with chocolate ganache, photo provided by KRUPS
Figs
Figs can be a delicious fruit. While we aren’t suggesting a plate of Fig Newtons for desert (Fig Newtons are great though), the fruit can make for wonderful dessert, cheese pairing or even an addition to a savory course. Some people consider figs an aphrodisiac food because of its shape. It has been said that a fig was the forbidden fruit.
If you are looking for an impressive Valentine’s Day dessert, KRUPS has offered this dessert that could have your Valentine swooning. A Chocolate fig bundt cake with chocolate ganache blends several aphrodisiac foods into one decadent dessert. The combination of figs, coffee and chocolate is definitely a romantic combination. Ready to start baking?
"Chocolate fig bundt cake with chocolate ganacheRecipe Credit: KRUPSINGREDIENTS• 1 cup chopped dried figs1 1/4 cups strong hot coffee• 1/2 cup butter, softened• 1 1/2 cups sugar• 2 eggs• 1 teaspoon vanilla• 1/2 cup vegetable oil• 2 oz unsweetened chocolate• melted, 2 cups all-purpose flour• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda• 1/2 cup whipping cream• 1 bar (4-oz) semisweet chocolate (chopped)DIRECTIONS1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Generously grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube pan.2. In small bowl, mix figs and coffee. Set aside.3. In large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla with beaters on Speed #1 until mixed, then increase to Speed #4 until smooth and creamy.4. Add oil and melted chocolate. Beat on Speed #1 until mixed, then increase to Speed #4 until creamy.5. Add flour, cocoa powder and baking soda. Beat on Speed #1 until mixed.6. Drain figs, adding coffee to batter. Beat on Speed #1 until mixed, then increase to Speed #4 for 2 minutes.7. By hand, stir in figs. Pour into pan. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn onto cooling rack. Cool 1 hour.8. In small saucepan, heat whipping cream until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat.9. Stir in chopped semisweet chocolate until melted and smooth. Cool 5 minutes or until mixture is cool enough to begin to mound.10. Spoon on top of cake and allow to drip down sides of cake. Let stand 30 minutes or until slightly set before cutting."
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Garlic
Garlic seems an unlikely Valentine’s Day food. No one wants bad breath when she is kissing her Valentine. Still, garlic has some good nutritious qualities. Garlic is rich in arginine, which can helps to produce nitric oxide. This situation helps to stimulate blood flow and stimulated blood flow is good for everyone on Valentine’s Day. Just remember to have a breath mint or a toothbrush nearby for after dinner.
(Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)
Truffles
Truffles are an absolute luxury. Talking about the fungi, not the chocolate, truffles are considered an aphrodisiac. While the extreme cost might get some people in the mood, the truffles’ scent is often considered the aphrodisiac. Although not scientifically confirmed, the earthy scent is said to mimic male pheromones. If you’ve ever had a box of truffles presented and shaved over dish tableside, you might have had a Meg Ryan table moment.
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Will you be serving any of these best aphrodisiac foods on Valentine’s Day? What’s on your day of love menu? Share your thoughts below or tag us in a picture using #FoodSided.