10 Aphrodisiacs to Spice Up Valentine's Day in Poway

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re stumped, like the rest of us, about what to get that sweetie of yours, perhaps an aphrodisiac menu is just the right touch.

Aphrodisiacs—derived from the word for the Greek goddess of love, Aprodite—are foods, beverages, or behaviors that encourage the love life. Sounds good, right? According to John Lennon, the world could use a little more love. In fact, sometimes it’s all we need.

But do they work?

Filled with palatable hormones and mild stimulants, aphrodisiacs are more than just an old wives' tale. Not only are some of these among the healthiest ingredients in the world, they can also produce a little effect called “amore” that can’t hurt your chances or odds of a good Valentine’s Day—or night.

Our List of the Top 10 Aphrodisiacs: 

Follow closely for the perfect combination of “Love Potion No. 9.”

1. Alcohol: It seems too simple, but alcohol—also known as the "social lubricant"—is one of the easiest ways to loosen up a room full of people or even a first date. Champagne and red wine are your best bet for a romantic evening, but drink responsibly. Too much of a good thing can be counterproductive.

2. Chocolate: Initially harvested by Central American cultures such as the Mayans and Aztecs, chocolate was known as the “nourishment of the gods.” Cultivated from the cacao tree, chocolate contains antioxidants (cancer-fighting agents) and theobromine (akin to caffeine), which awaken and arouse.

3. Seafood: Fish of all types and shellfish such as oysters, lobster and shrimp are tempting aphrodisiacs that can be grilled, roasted or served raw. Leaner than red or white meat, seafood is rich in protein and anti-cancer elements such as omega-3 fatty acids. Cheers to the love food from the sea.

4. Fruit: Yummy, soft, and sweet, nature’s dessert comes in many different types. From berries and melons to bananas and tomatoes, anything with seeds is bountiful enough to raise your love levels. Snack on these; they’re our favorite: passion fruit, guava, papaya, pineapple, and figs.

5. Whipped cream: It goes hand-in-hand with our last aphrodisiac, fruit. Buy some canned stuff and go wild with it, or purchase fresh cream at any Poway grocery store to whip into homemade cream. Use a hand-held blender for three to five minutes, blending the cream up and add a little cinnamon (also known to enhance pleasure). Dallop wherever, whatever and whomever you like with your new creation.

6. Spices: Anise, basil and sage are all olfactory elements which seduce and entice. They can top or be the base for any good dish and come in more common forms of fennel, licorice, oils, and dried or ground spices. They are always excellent fresh, so scour your local store, spice shop or Farmer's Market.
Bonus Tip: Also, remember, any exotic spice like saffron or spicy like chili peppers will enhance the libido no matter what they’re served with.

7. Nuts: Pistachios and almonds, particularly, carry an aroma that is known as pleasing to women. Often praised for their crunchy texture and known as a symbol of fertility throughout history, almonds (and nuts in general) can be purchased raw or roasted and are a fun snack to share with someone special.

8. Avocado: Praised for their feminine shape, large seed, and ability to grow plentifully on trees, avocados have been related to sexual nature since the Old World. Peel the skin and slice, serve as a garnish, or create a dish solely around the avocado. Whatever you make, it’s sure to please.

9. Roots and bulbs: Straight from the most fertile source, Mother Nature’s ground, roots and bulbs like ginger and garlic can enhance any dish. Used commonly in Asian dishes, as well as Italian and African cuisine, these simple elements can raise the temperature of any love feast.

10. Honey: Known to produce stimulating effects, this sweet and savory concoction from bees is used in beverages of all types and meals such as breakfast, brunch, and dessert. Drizzle it on your next dish and see what happens. We’re sure you’ll be happy with the outcome.

For more information on aphrodisiacs, see gourmetsleuth.com for recipes and ingredients to enjoy.

Here's to your venture for love and lust on Valentine's Day, and with a little extra help from the aphrodisiac department, Cupid's sure to hit you smack-dab in the heart—or stomach.