Chapter from the book “The Gourmet Liaisons”

In 1989 the FDA claimed that the alleged sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiac foods are based solely on storytelling and folklore, and not on facts. The only thing that should be said about these scientists’ attempts to spoil the fun on this important matter is – we should never believe them.

A secret ingredient in oysters or asparagus does not chemically heighten the libido and is likely to have just a placebo effect. Maybe they will “prove” in their labs that phenethylamine in dark chocolate does not stimulate sexual attraction or that larger quantities of zinc in oysters do not act as natural aquatic Viagra. Maybe some experiments will lead them to conclude that it’s better to believe in the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Santa Claus than in aphrodisiacs.

But this doesn’t prevent us from making our own experiments in much more comfortable surroundings. For starters, we can take a good look at a fresh fig cut in half and an asparagus stalk and consider what they remind us of – the truth will be more than obvious:

There is a large, unexplained gap between the emotions caused by visual stimulation, scent, and taste – and the conclusions about certain isolated ingredients in food. Has food ever really been only a pile of micro and macronutrients, a conglomeration of chemicals both good and bad?

Isn’t food first and foremost an exquisite, sensual experience? It is yearning and flirtation in it of itself – and flirting is the universal formula for a good mood. It works – even if only in this regard – but its effects are strong. Especially when combined with attraction, love, heat from the sun or fireplace, excitement over a new crush, or maybe the sincere desire to reignite an old flame.

Is food an aphrodisiac only because its form and shape have sexual connotations? Do strong spices bear some other powers besides innuendos that the remainder of your evening can be immersed in hotness just like your dinner? Do you find pleasure in watching someone special savoring their meal knowing that they will later savor you in the same manner?

Upon processing all the conscious and subconscious messages you receive while gazing at each other across the dinner table, is there any way you can possibly believe that aphrodisiacs do not exist or work?

After all, if they can claim to have proven that aphrodisiacs do not exist, you can make a game of continuously engaging in proving that they do. I bet your experiments will be vastly more enjoyable! Unlike the scientists that will plow through their research budgets quickly – you can choose to make proving their existence a lifelong quest…

Mythological aphrodisiacs

Evidence of aphrodisiac foods can be found in the myths of ancient peoples, as well as in the biographies of rulers of the previous millennia. There’s nothing stopping us from spicing up our own dining experiences with such legendary bliss boosters:

• Marjoram – According to the ancient Greeks, the herb was formed from Aphrodite’s breath, and in Victorian times, flower bouquets with marjoram twigs were a symbol of love.
• Carrots – According to oral tradition, this root vegetable absorbs its strength from the earth and can transfer that power into everyday romantic activities.
• Basil – From India to Italy, basil holds the reputation of bringing love and passion to those who eat it. Northern Italian traditions say that a woman that keeps basil on the windowsill can expect a visit from her lover.
• Grains – Food from grains has been tied to the Greek goddess Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and fertility.
• Apples – From the time when the Trojan prince Paris selected Aphrodite as the most beautiful ancient Greek goddess by giving her an apple and was in turn awarded with any wife of his choosing, Helen of Sparta – the apple has been a symbol of female beauty. While of course, the Biblical apple is the fruit of sin and female seduction.
• Almonds – The almond tree is the first to bloom each year so it has always been a symbol of fertility that was recommended for married couples.
• Wine – This liquid love spell is eternally connected to Eros. Grapes were already the symbol of fertility in most of the ancient world, and the word “wine” comes from the name of the goddess Venus – combined they make an unbreakable bond of erotic symbolism.