Shakespeare wrote, “If music be the food of love, play on," which is great news for music lovers, if true. But are there foods that also enhance a romantic evening with your favorite person?
Over the centuries, men and women have tried to divine the answer to this question, but no one has come up with a real answer.
Still, the following foods have long been rumored to be the foods of love, due to their purported aphrodisiac qualities. No one really knows if any of this is true, but if you plan on spending a romantic evening with someone, you may want to try loading up on these victuals. As you sit down to have a bite, make sure you invite a friend to bite with you…
Oysters – This is supposedly the greatest of all the love foods, but you need to eat them raw if you want to get their full effect. And if you use this mussel-like animal to pump up your muscle, just make sure you have plenty of breath mints around after the feast.
Chocolate – The purported relaxing effect of chocolate is said to increase the desire for physical contact, which is always a good thing. Even if this turn out to be an urban legend that leaves you limp, at least it tastes good.
Figs – This fruit has been rumored to be a romance enhancer since Cleopatra’s time, and who knew more about the art of love than the bawdy Cleo? Her and her tight asp ruled the Nile for years, often on party boats that make today’s love boats seem like real little dinghies.
Pine Nuts – These nuts come from the inside of Pine Cones and are also known as “kernels of love.” No matter what their rank, it is said that men who eat them will stand at attention.
Rosemary – There is no need to ingest this herb since it's the scent that is supposed to enhance romance. Given this line of thinking, Rosemary-scented perfume should sell better than Viagra.
Vanilla – This is another aroma that is said to increase your desire for sex. Make sure that your intended lover is around while you bake and you may soon have something nicer in the oven.
Asparagus – Kids often turn up their noses to this vegetable, but some adults say that eating this veggie turns up the heat. The phallic-like spears with their wrinkled heads can’t help but add to the mood.
Ginseng – Not only does this get your energy levels up, it allegedly increases your desire for physical contact, which can of course get other, more enjoyable things up. The name comes from a Chinese word that means “man root,” so if you want to get at your man’s tree trunk to grow, feed him Ginseng.
Alcohol – Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker. If you plan to oil something up tonight, make sure you break out the booze to loosen up any inhibitions.
Aniseed – You don’t even have to eat these seeds; just sucking on them may have you sucking on other, more delightful things later on.
Bananas – No wonder those apes are always so damn horny. Not only do bananas have the obvious phallic attributes, there is something in them called bromelain that has been shown to give rise to pleasurable urges.
Honey – Yes, your food will be very sweet when you put this on it, but that may not be the only thing that is sweet about your evening. The term “honeymoon” came from the very old tradition of newlyweds going off together and drinking honey until the first new moon came around. Just remember that sometimes honey tastes best if it is licked…
Originally published March, 2008